Repowered seeks larger appropriation to expand work-readiness program for formerly incarcerated individuals

Senate File 1079 would appropriate $450,000 from the Workforce Development Fund to the Jobs Foundation (doing business as Repowered) to support the Repowered Workforce Readiness Program, which serves people with significant barriers to employment, primarily those recently incarcerated.

Senator Aisha Mohammed (sponsor) said Repowered combines paid work, training and support services in a 91,000-square-foot electronics recycling facility; the program emphasizes skills, confidence-building and employer connections. Heather Walsh, Jobs Foundation CEO, said the program posts high completion and employment rates and consistently low recidivism.

Walsh described employer feedback: Joseph Long of Soldier Trucking told Repowered, "I could not be more impressed with all 4 of my new employees. Punctual, respectful, eager to learn, and most importantly, no attitude." Walsh said the Jobs Foundation funds cover training, safety improvements, direct supports and other services; the organization reported last year a leadership transition that reduced contributed income during 2023 and said it is otherwise largely sustained by earned revenue from refurbishing electronics.

A program participant, Shane Pearson, who was released in May 2024 after a long incarceration, described rapid skill development, continuing education (HVAC certification at Minneapolis College Technical and Community College) and improved family and community roles, and said the program provided "hope, not a handout, but a hand up." Walsh said Repowered served 71 individuals in the last year and that the additional appropriation would allow the program to serve roughly 10 to 20 more participants depending on average program length and retention.

The committee laid Senate File 1079 over for possible inclusion.