Gov. Beshear signs executive order establishing Governor’s Council of Second Chance Employers

Governor Andy Beshear on Thursday announced additional steps the state is taking to assist those who have paid their debt to society with obtaining meaningful employment upon release and to continue reducing the state’s recidivism rate.

The Governor signed an executive order establishing the Governor’s Council of Second Chance Employers, comprising 15 business and community leaders, including Amazon, BlueOval SK, UPS, DV8 Kitchen and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, along with the secretaries of the Justice Cabinet, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Education and Labor Cabinet.

The council will meet quarterly to educate employers and local communities on the benefits of second-chance hiring, advocate for laws and investments to improve reentry outcomes and develop best practices for effective reentry programming. The council will provide an annual report to the Governor on or before Jan. 31 each year detailing activities, findings and recommendations.

“We have made great progress, recording the three lowest recidivism rates in over a decade, and now we’re turning our progress into prosperity,” Gov. Beshear said. “To protect Kentucky families, save lives, build safer communities and create a new Kentucky home with less crime and addiction, we must support those leaving incarceration with a solid foundation so they can obtain a good job – one that helps them provide for their family and successfully return to society.”

Several leaders from the council stated what second-chance employment means for the success of their business.

At least 95% of the state inmate population will be released from incarceration at some point. To further help inmates become strong candidates for Kentucky’s fast-paced labor market through the development of job skills and attainment of certifications, the Governor also announced that his administration is expanding career and technical opportunities throughout the prison system.

The first prison to launch a new licensure program is the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women, which is working to establish a licensed cosmetology school. This will be the first time in Kentucky that a prison has had a cosmetology school. Once launched, female inmates will be able to complete a Kentucky Board of Cosmetology-approved course of study from qualified instructors while incarcerated. Upon completing the required 1,500 hours of instruction, inmates will be eligible to take the cosmetology examination. Upon successfully passing the practical and written exams, an individual will be a licensed cosmetologist and ready to obtain employment upon release.

The Governor was joined by Kerry Harvey, special advisor to the Governor for reentry programs, who has been tasked with collaborating with businesses and state agencies to build access to an untapped talent pool ready and equipped to work on day one.

“These partnerships strengthen Kentucky families by enhancing public safety and reducing crime,” said Harvey. “By establishing strong second chances for those who have been released from incarceration, we are building a new Kentucky home where our future generations not only are safe but feel safe at home and in their communities, while also saving lives.”

In April, Gov. Beshear announced a new website to support Kentuckians seeking second chances find a job, get an education or continue recovery. The site also connects business leaders with resources to help them hire second-chance talent.

Governor’s Office

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