Advocates in New York for the formerly incarcerated are pushing for the passage of the Reentry Assistance Bill, which aims to provide more monetary support to people reentering society after being in prison.

“I had to acquire an entire wardrobe, I had to acquire basic hygiene, I had to provide for my basic necessities and I only had $40,” said Christopher Wallace, who spent 15 years behind bars. He said he was lucky enough to have housing to return to, but not everyone does. 

Some people returning to society get up to $200 if their commissary accounts fall below that amount.

The bill aims to increase that to a guaranteed $425 per person per month for six months. Critics of the bill, like Sen. George Borrello, said this is money that could be better spent on law-abiding citizens.

“If you're concerned about how much money you're going to have when you get out of prison, there's a simple solution. Don't end up in prison to begin with,” said Borrello. “This money, there's no accountability for that. You know, this is basically just walking around money for these folks. And it encourages dependency.”

He also pointed to state programs already in place that help former inmates with transitional housing, medical services and mental health care.

Advocates argue the bill would save taxpayers money in the long run.

“I think part of what we have to do as advocates and also as formerly incarcerated people is just to remind folks, especially on behalf of taxpayers, just how much money we're already spending,” said Simone Price, director of organizing with the Center for Employment Opportunities. 

The bill would set aside $25 million from the state's general fund to pay for the program.

Spending data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's annual survey of state and local government finances showed spending per prisoner varies widely per state.

New York spends about $116,000 per inmate annually. Advocates said a $425 investment could reduce recidivism rates.

“We’re just asking for a second chance, a fair shot at a second chance,” said Wallace. “And to do that, just reentry, assisting bail is imperative because those necessities, those basic resources that returning individuals need access to, you know, this bill addresses that.”