Today, in Raleigh, Governor Josh Stein participated in the North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference, reiterating North Carolina’s dedication to improving reentry processes to bolster public safety, reduce recidivism, and enhance outcomes. Governor Stein highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for individuals leaving incarceration to successfully reintegrate into society.
“We all benefit when every North Carolinian is able to contribute to our state to the best of their ability,” said Governor Stein. He emphasized the significance of job training and expanded health care access for formerly incarcerated individuals, stating, “People leaving incarceration are much more likely to stay on the right path if they are set up for success and get a job.”
The Governor acknowledged First Lady Anna Stein’s involvement, noting her dedication to reentry issues as a key focus and her new role on the Joint Reentry Council.
Leslie Cooley Dismukes, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, expressed gratitude for the collaboration among partners attending the conference. “We are thankful for the work of hundreds of partners attending this week’s reentry conference,” said Secretary Dismukes. She highlighted the daily efforts of those supporting individuals transitioning out of prison with necessities such as housing, employment, and treatment.
As part of his efforts to support formerly incarcerated individuals, Governor Stein mentioned the State Reentry Council Collaborative, which he advanced as Attorney General in partnership with the Department of Public Safety. He also noted his commitment to the national Reentry 2030 initiative.
Governor Stein’s 2025-2027 budget proposal focuses on education programs for incarcerated individuals, which are aimed at reducing recidivism. The budget also proposes salary increases for corrections officers to tackle staffing shortages. Additionally, the Governor is focused on linking reentrants to mental and physical health care services before their release, including Medicaid enrollment for eligible individuals. These initiatives aim to enhance community safety and improve outcomes for those returning from incarceration.
