Mike Wallace – Vice President, Government Affairs
NJBIA Vice President Michael Wallace has been appointed to the newly created Commission on Reentry Services that will make recommendations on reforms needed to reduce recidivism and help people better transition into the community and workplace after serving time in prison.
Wallace was appointed this week by Senate President Steve Sweeney to the 14-member commission, which will review all aspects of prisoner reentry, including current obstacles that thwart a successful transition, as well as the services and solutions needed to improve the process.
“Job-training and gainful employment are a key component of successful prisoner reentry programs,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “Mike will be a tremendous asset to the commission because he oversees labor and education policy issues at NJBIA, whose member companies collectively provide more than 1 million jobs in New Jersey.”
The legislation that created the commission, SCR-144 (Sweeney/Greenstein), requires the panel to examine issues related to housing, employment, education, training, addiction, substance abuse and medical treatment, and access to legal services. The commission will also look at ways to more effectively integrate corrections, parole, and coordination with faith-based organizations.
The Commission on Reentry Services is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including legislative proposals, to the Governor and the Legislature within 18 months of its organizational meeting.
