From Vanguard News Group:
SACRAMENTO – As California enters yet another perilous wildfire season, state lawmakers unveiled a sweeping legislative package aimed at honoring the labor and sacrifice of incarcerated firefighters and removing the reentry barriers they face after release.
The Firefighting to Freedom legislative package seeks to correct longstanding inequities experienced by the more than 1,800 incarcerated people who serve on fire crews each year. These individuals are often paid just $5.80 a day, with an extra $1 per hour when actively fighting fires—despite performing dangerous, life-saving work. Once released, they encounter steep barriers to employment in firefighting and other basic reentry needs such as housing and education.
The bill package includes seven bills, five of which have already passed their houses of origin with unanimous support. Collectively, the package provides incarcerated firefighters with better pay, reentry opportunities, and a formal path into professional fire service roles. Continue reading >>>
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