Kentucky has achieved historically low rates of recidivism, recidivism, or inmates committing another crime after their release.

Earlier this year, Governor Andy Beshear announced only 30% of released inmates return to prison within two years.

But state lawmakers want to do more to help offenders receive job training.

Our Emily Sisk has more from yesterday's Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary in Frankfort.

Here is a stark fact that we all must consider.

95% of all inmates will one day rejoin their communities.

State lawmakers are proposing a new idea to ensure that 95% can go to work and stay out of correctional facilities.

The legislation would expand prison education and job training to 400 qualified inmates through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

We want to make it so that they can say, I hope that on good behavior, I'm a tail end of my sentence.

I can be transferred to the CTCs reentry college, get Premier education, and have the ability to have a job interview on site so that when I get released, the best chance possible to get a job, provide for a family, and not recommit as well.

The training facility would be located in Boyle County in central Kentucky.

The CTCs president estimated it would cost $42 million to construct.

Our employers, both Second Chance and others, can get too easily to do job interviews on site and so that inmates can have a job offer well before they're released.

A lawmaker is proposing the legislation said their focus is to remain hard on crime while giving committed inmates an opportunity to succeed upon their release.

These individuals who go through this program will all be vetted low risk offenders.

Make no mistake, this initiative is not soft on crime legislation.

The prisoners in this facility will serve their full sentences.

Job training programs may include manufacturing, computer engineering, welding, and more.

Fellow lawmakers voiced support for the program, saying this could help boost Kentucky's workforce.

Their offerings that you all plan that are very much in tune with what we need in this state.

And the director of reentry services for the Department of Corrections said this could also save money for the state, as the Commonwealth spends $40,000 every year per incarcerated person.

When an offender successfully reenters their communities and does not re-offend.

It reduce cost to the state and most importantly, it prevents a future victim.

CTCs President Ryan Quarrels said they've already identified more than 302nd chance employers who would be willing to hire former inmates.

For Kentucky edition, I'm Emily Sisk.

Thank you.

Emily.

The job training program would be selective.

Inmates would apply in order to participate and must maintain good behavior.