America has a prison problem. Nearly 2.3 million individuals live behind bars in the United States, comprising roughly one-fifth of the world's prison population. However, the United States represents less than 5 percent of the global population. 

Perhaps one of the most salient issues regarding mass incarceration is that the population within America's prisons is dramatically undereducated. Only 46 percent of the incarcerated population has a high school education or equivalent, while 41.3 percent have not achieved this most basic benchmark. 

Research indicates that offering college in prison is an effective way to reduce recidivism. In correctional facilities that implement educational programs, a widely cited study found a 43 percent drop in inmates' likelihood of returning to prison. 

NYS Senator Jamaal Bailey introduced New York State Senate Bill 2206 during the 2019-20 legislative session. The bill seeks to establish a commission on post-secondary correctional education within NYS to make recommendations regarding the availability, effectiveness, and need for expansion of post-secondary education in the New York State Prison System. 

We need your help moving this bill forward in the NYS Senate.