Gov Jack Markell (D-Delaware) touted Delaware's criminal justice reforms as an example to the nation Tuesday in testimony on Capitol Hill.
Markell was one of several who spoke to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about how to offset rising prison populations and keep people from going back to jail.He pointed to Delaware's multi-agency efforts to identify offenders who don't need pre-trial incarceration, to offer mental health and addiction help for everyone in the system, and to help ex-offenders access more jobs,
"Even seemingly small steps can make a big difference," said Markell. "For example, in DE, we passed bipartisan legislation to eliminate mandates that caused nonviolent offenders to lose their driver's license even when their crime isn't related to drugs."
Markell says that move has resulted in nearly 800 non-violent offenders per year are having their driver’s licenses returned after being released - allowing them to go to and from work more easily.
He also noted the state recently "banned the box" on state job applications that indicated someone has a criminal record.
"State hiring can and should still involve background checks, but it’s important that these individuals no longer have to check a box on job applications because that practice too often denies them a fair chance to interview," said Markell.
And he emphasized what he called creative state programs that have brought employers to prisoners before they're released and allowed prisoners to tell their own stories.
"You know, whatever structural changes we put in place, we believe we must also change the hearts and minds of the public about who offenders are and what they can offer the community," said Markell.
He says the state's efforts appear to be having an impact. Delaware's incarcerated population has dropped 3 percent in the past year, and Markell said every state should work to make its resources count so offenders get what they need to find success after prison.