Norfolk DA Wants Federal Education Grants For Prisoners

BRAINTREE, MA — Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey joined a group of prosecutors across the country in calling for the restoration of federal education grants for incarcerated students. The National District Attorneys Association endorsed the "Restoring Education and Learning Act (REAL Act)," which would give Pell grants to qualifying prisoners. The policy existed before, but was prisoners have been excluded from Pell Grants, since President Bill Clinton signed a bill in 1994 banning it.

"Cutting support for prisoners who are trying to learn the skills to build a better future for themselves is short-sighted and counter-productive," Morrissey said in a statement.

Morrissey said Massachusetts has the lowest incarceration rate among the states, but does have an "unacceptable number of people" finding themselves back in jail after being released. If the "REAL Act" becomes law, it will help prisoners "transition from incarceration to stable, productive lives," Morrissey said.

Both President Donald Trump's and Barack Obama's administration took critical steps toward restoring funding for Second Chance Pell sites, according to the association. The sites created places for incarcerated students to get certifications, associate's, and bachelor's degrees while in state prisons, according to the National District Attorneys Association. But the organization said this bill takes it a step further.

"Now, Congress needs to fully restore federal Pell grant eligibility for prisoners as the next step in criminal justice reform as we work to continue to prioritize the safety of the communities our members serve," the association said in a statement.