Tim Burchett

09/26/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Burchett co-leads reintroduction of Prison to Proprietorship for Formerly Incarcerated Act

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 26, 2024) - U.S. Reps. Tim Burchett (TN-02) and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) reintroduced the bipartisan Prison to Proprietorship for the Formerly Incarcerated Act.

"Around 95% of incarcerated people get released and end up back on the streets," said Rep. Burchett. "We need to make sure they're prepared to rejoin their communities, and teaching them entrepreneurial skills helps them get a fresh start."

"Nearly all incarcerated people will complete their sentence and return to their community-we have to make sure that we're laying a strong foundation for success post-incarceration," said Rep. McGarvey. "By providing a path to entrepreneurship for formerly-incarcerated Americans, my bill not only works to reduce recidivism, but also gives returning citizens the tools they need to start a business and achieve their American dream."

The Prison to Proprietorship for the Formerly Incarcerated Act would launch a program where Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) participants would provide entrepreneurial development training to the formerly incarcerated. Under the bill, SCORE would provide returning citizens with workshops, mentoring, and training opportunities designed to help them start and grow a small business. 

Rep. Burchettpreviously co-led the introduction of this bill in the 117th and 116th Congress.

The full text of the bill can be found here.