North Wake News

Today, Governor Josh Stein addressed the North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference, emphasizing the importance of enhancing reentry processes to promote public safety, reduce recidivism, and improve outcomes. He noted the involvement of First Lady Anna Stein, who is joining the Joint Reentry Council with a focus on reentry as one of her key issues.

“We all benefit when every North Carolinian is able to contribute to our state to the best of their ability,” Governor Stein stated. He stressed the importance of providing job opportunities and training as a means to help individuals leaving incarceration reintegrate into society, emphasizing that such measures could lead to safer neighborhoods.

North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Secretary Leslie Cooley Dismukes expressed gratitude for the efforts of those aiding individuals who are reentering society. “We are thankful for the work of hundreds of partners attending this week’s reentry conference," she said. "These are people working daily to help those leaving prison with needs like housing, employment, treatment, transportation and other assistance needed to be successful after incarceration.”

Governor Stein's initiatives include the continuation of his efforts as Attorney General, where he advanced the State Reentry Council Collaborative with the Department of Public Safety. He has also committed to Reentry 2030, a national effort aimed at successful community reintegration post-incarceration.

The Governor's proposed 2025-2027 budget plans to fund educational programs for incarcerated individuals, aiming to reduce recidivism. Additionally, it seeks to increase corrections officers’ salaries to address staffing issues. Governor Stein also aims to ensure that all reentrants have access to medical care, including Medicaid enrollment, before leaving incarceration. These steps are intended to lower the likelihood of recidivism and improve the safety and strength of communities across North Carolina.