State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera today announced that the New York City Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) is hosting the fifth in a series of “Work For Success” stops being held all across New York.  The program offers financial incentives to businesses that hire the formerly incarcerated.

The Statewide tour is making stops in New York City, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.  Rachel Demarest Gold, Special Counsel for the Department of Labor, presented the details of the program to the New York City REDC.

“Each time an individual stays out of jail, it saves taxpayers between $17,000 and $25,000 per year,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “Businesses can benefit a great deal from hiring the formerly incarcerated with tax credits that help their bottom line and help boost competitiveness.”

Businesses who hire through the program are eligible for up to $2,400 in federal tax credits for each formerly incarcerated individual they hire. In addition, businesses are sent only trained, pre-screened individuals to consider for hire.

“This program will save businesses money and give individuals a second chance to succeed and grow New York State’s economy,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “We look forward to working with businesses across the State to let them know about the many benefits this program has to offer.”

In addition to providing tax credits, Work For Success saves businesses the cost of Human Resource services and job skills training by referring only the most qualified and appropriately trained applicants for any open jobs at no cost to business owners.

“These individuals have paid their debt to society and are highly motivated to move on with their lives and become productive members of society,” said Department of Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera. “I encourage all employers in New York to learn more about this program and the savings it has to offer.”

For more information about Work For Success, call 1-888-469-7365 or visit www.workforsuccess.ny.gov.

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