Bill Overview
Title: Prison to Proprietorship Act
Description: This bill directs the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Prisons, to require women's business centers and small-business development centers to provide entrepreneurship counseling and training services to individuals incarcerated in a minimum-, low-, or medium-security prison.
Sponsors: Rep. Velazquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
Target Audience
Population: Incarcerated individuals in minimum-, low-, or medium-security prisons globally
Estimated Size: 450000
- The bill targets incarcerated individuals who are in minimum-, low-, or medium-security prisons.
- The services include entrepreneurship counseling and training, which are specifically aimed at those who are currently incarcerated.
- Globally, there are millions of incarcerated individuals, but focusing on those in certain security levels and on entrepreneurship training will narrow this number.
- In the U.S., there are several hundred thousand individuals in these types of prison conditions.
- The program could also indirectly impact families and communities through potential future economic activities of former inmates.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy is individuals incarcerated in minimum-, low-, or medium-security prisons. This population is currently estimated to be around 450,000 in the U.S.
- Not all of these individuals will have an interest in entrepreneurship or the ability to participate in the program when offered.
- Due to budget constraints, only a portion of this population can be served initially, potentially expanding if the program succeeds and finds additional funding.
- The interventions could potentially lead to improved self-esteem and life skills, impacting wellbeing even before release, as participants prepare for their future reintegration into society.
- The policy indirectly helps families and communities by potentially increasing socio-economic opportunities post-incarceration.
Simulated Interviews
Unemployed (Texas)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always wanted to start my own business but never had the resources or guidance.
- This program feels like a lifeline and an opportunity to change my life after prison.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Formerly retail (California)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Offering entrepreneurial training while serving time can give us purpose and hope for the future.
- It's a chance to move away from crime and provide for my family after I get out.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Administrative assistant (Florida)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have skills that can be put to good use in the business world, but need guidance to navigate post-release stigma.
- This policy could provide the structure and support needed to rebuild my career.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Mechanic (New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have the technical skills to run a shop but lack business knowledge.
- This initiative could help me secure a stable future post-incarceration.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Student (Ohio)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program might open up new ways for me to focus my goals after release.
- Having a clear path and support system is critical when I return to society.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Construction (Georgia)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The stigma of incarceration makes it hard to be employed; running my own business could be the solution.
- The policy could help give me the skills to make this a reality.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Chef (Washington)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If I could learn more about business during my sentence, it would give me hope and a goal to work towards.
- The program can turn incarceration time into an investment in my future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Sales (Illinois)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Understanding the nuances of running a small business can help me utilize my skills differently post-release.
- This policy might give us skills that aid society upon reintegration.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Driver (Virginia)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Securing employment post-incarceration is difficult, and this policy could change our outlook and skillsets.
- Having a structured training program could lead to better mental wellbeing and opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cashier (Michigan)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finding employment with a record in fitness is tough, so starting my own business seems ideal.
- The policy provides a constructive way to plan for life post-release.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $16000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $16000000)
Year 3: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $16000000)
Year 5: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $16000000)
Year 10: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $16000000)
Year 100: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $16000000)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of entrepreneurship programs in reducing recidivism.
- The capacity of prisons to incorporate such programs without substantial infrastructure modifications.
- The willingness of incarcerated individuals to participate and the subsequent support from external entities post-release.