CEO Advocacy Ensures Crucial Supports for Returning Coloradans, Access to ID’s and $100 Gate Money
Contact:
Claire Gross, Sr. Manager of Public Relations
cgross@ceoworks.org | (646) 370-8292
Denver, CO–May 8, 2026–The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) celebrates the passage of the Reentry Readiness Act in Colorado, a law that safeguards crucial cash assistance and solidifies access to vital documents such as state ID’s and social security cards.
“The passage of the Reentry Readiness Act turns a news leaf in Colorado’s reentry process. Now each and every person in the state will leave prison with $100 and an ID in their pocket–small measures that mean a world of stability in the first moments of release,” said Simone Price, Director of Organizing at the Center for Employment Opportunities. “The success of this bill would not be possible without the dedication and leadership of Representative Jackson, Representative Marbrey, and Senator Cutter. We have deep gratitude for their fierce advocacy. At every step, people with lived experience in the Colorado criminal legal system steered and championed this bill. The Reentry Readiness Act is a true example of what is possible with justice-impacted voices at the helm.”
An ID or social security card can mean the difference between a fresh start or falling between the cracks. Before the Reentry Readiness Act, leaving incarceration with vital documents in hand was a game of chance–either setting someone up for success or expecting someone to rebuild their lives with one hand tied behind their back. Now, each person leaving prison will have the right identification to secure employment, rent an apartment, sign up for benefits, or open a bank account.
As with vital documents, $100 in hand during first moments of release offers breathing room for people when they reenter their communities. Too often though, people leaving prison have their $100 dollars withheld or decreased. The Reentry Readiness Act protects these funds allowing people to buy themselves a hot meal or new clothes, or pay for transportation to receive essential services such as job training or housing support. Though it was crucial to pass legislation that protects $100 from any deductions and is offered to everyone leaving incarceration in Colorado, CEO will continue advocacy for more significant financial assistance upon release.
The Reentry Readiness Act also increases oversight of and data sharing from the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC). This aspect of the bill ensures that CDOC follows the letter of law and reports any deficiencies or obstacles so that they can be addressed immediately.
By passing the Reentry Readiness Act, Colorado has made real the promise that every person returning home from prison is ready on their first day to rebuild their lives and rejoin their communities. CEO urges Governor Polis for a swift signature.
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About the Center for Employment Opportunities
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to people recently released from incarceration. CEO currently operates in 30 cities in 12 states and is dedicated to ensuring justice-impacted people have opportunities to achieve socioeconomic mobility. For more information, visit ceoworks.org.