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Assembly expands "preferred source" procurement to include organizations serving formerly incarcerated people
Summary
Lawmakers voted to allow qualified nonprofit reentry organizations to participate in the state's preferred‑source procurement program; supporters said it reduces recidivism and expands workforce opportunities, while opponents warned it could compete with organizations serving disabled New Yorkers.
The Assembly voted to amend state finance law to allow qualified charitable non‑profit entities that provide vocational and rehabilitation training to formerly incarcerated persons to participate in the state's preferred‑source procurement program.
Bill details and sponsor rationale
Sponsor Mister McDonald said the change "addresses the fact that there are individuals who are reentering society after their time in incarceration" and that preferred‑source status helps mission‑driven nonprofits provide employment training and work opportunities. He told members the amendment builds on prior preferred‑source expansions (for veterans, for example) and aims to reduce recidivism by creating employment pathways.
Debate and objections
Opponents said the preferred‑source program was originally designed to benefit organizations that employ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that adding organizations focused on formerly incarcerated people could place those groups in direct competition. "What we're doing here ... is giving a preference to people who have a criminal record and introducing them into a program that was originally designed to help people with disabilities," Assemblyman Gandolfo said.
Supporters and vote
Backers argued the change will "grow the program" and expand employment opportunities without diminishing existing allocations. The Assembly approved the bill on the floor; the transcript records the tally as Ayes 101; Noes 42.
Implementation notes
The law delegates review of applicants to the Education Department's preferred‑source procedures and directs inclusion under the Access‑VR component. Sponsors said regulatory processes are already used to admit veterans and other groups and that oversight is done through the education department and existing preferred‑source rules.
Ending note
Supporters called the measure a public‑safety and workforce policy: they said paid employment reduces recidivism and benefits local economies; opponents urged monitoring to prevent unintended competition with other mission‑driven nonprofits.
