Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

We've all heard the phrase "lock 'em up and throw away the key." That's how many feel after they've been harmed by a criminal. But most criminals won't get life sentences and will eventually be let out of jail. Over 95 percent of Kentucky's prisoners will eventually be released and last year 16,000 prisoners were released but many have a hard time finding a job and reentering society. That's why Gov. Matt Bevin created the “Justice to Journeyman,” program. It's an apprenticeship pilot project that will match prison inmates with skilled jobs as they reenter society. Gov. Bevin said he wants Kentucky to be known as a second chance state and the Justice to Journeyman program gives felons a second chance by helping them to reenter society through work opportunities and affirming their dignity.