Today, Governor Kim Reynolds highlighted her efforts to reduce recidivism in Iowa during the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board Meeting. Reynolds highlighted her 2nd chance initiatives and how those tie into the state’s overall workforce development plan. This quarterly meeting of the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board occurred at Indiana Women’s Prison in Indianapolis.
“Iowa’s strong labor market has made it a necessity to bolster our workforce and address the skills gap holistically,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Reducing recidivism is a key tool in our arsenal because when ex-offenders find a career, it opens doors for them and our employers seeking workers. It’s exciting to share what we are doing in Iowa to give Iowans a second chance at life and I look forward to building on today’s conversations and collaboration as we continue to expand economic opportunities for all Iowans.”
Reynolds participated in the meeting with Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executives from business and industry.
Earlier this year, Gov. Reynolds was appointed to the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. Established under Executive Order 13845, this Board will work directly with the National Council for the American Worker, leveraging the knowledge of its members to develop and implement a strategy to revamp the American workforce to better meet the challenges of the 21st century. She has also been appointed to two subcommittees, “Modernize Candidate Recruitment and Training Practices,” and “Develop a Campaign to Promote Multiple Pathways to Career Success.”
Gov. Reynolds has championed several initiatives that focus on providing second chances to offenders. She recently launched the Fueling Ongoing Collaboration and Uncovering Solutions (FOCUS) Committee this past November and the committee has begun to make recommendations to reduce recidivism through successful offender re-entry. Reynolds has also participated in an employer roundtable at the Mitchellville Correctional Facility and plans to attend another at North Central Correctional Facility later this month.
