The Ohio Department of Rehabiliation and Corrections estimates that each year 28,000 prisoners are released and sent back home to their communities. Getting a job is seen by experts as one of the best pathways to preventing a return to prison. But getting jobs for those returning from prison is easier said than done. Employers have been reluctant to hire former offenders. A summit this week in Cleveland aims to help educate employers about hiring those re-entering society. Plus, Ohio moves closer to taking applications for medical marijuana grow sites. And, lawmakers look for ways to trim the Governor's budget by $800 million.
Judge Nancy Margaret Russo, Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court, Re-Entry Court
Crystal Bryant, Director, Cuyahoga County, Office of Reentry
Bishara Addison, Policy and Special Project Manager, Towards Employment
Mark Kawada, General Manager, Pier W
Jackie Borchardt, Reporter, Columbus Bureau, Cleveland.com
Karen Kasler, Ohio Statehouse Bureau Chief
Resources:
Re-Entry Business Summit Details
Cleveland Connects: Justice for All
Justice for All: Expanded Coverage
State of Ohio: Gary Mohr, Director, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections