[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 164 (Thursday, October 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE HALL COUNTY REACT PROGRAM AND THE NEW WELDING SHOP

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                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2017

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the grand 
opening of the Hall County Correction Institute's welding shop--a new 
addition to Hall County's Re-entry Accountability Court Transition 
program--which will equip inmates with skills that they can take with 
them as they re-enter society.
  Since 2014, the local accountability court program has assisted 
offenders by providing vocational resources that can help deter 
recidivism and restore these individuals as productive members of the 
community. By allowing program participants to obtain state 
certifications in welding, the program will help people who will soon 
be released to find job security upon their departure.
  Criminal justice reform is a priority for northeast Georgia as it is 
for me in Washington, which is why I introduced the Prison Reform and 
Redemption Act to help lower recidivism rates among federal prisoners 
through vocational training and other evidence-based programs.
  Mr. Speaker, every person has value, and efforts like the Hall County 
Correction Institute's welding shop recognize and seek to magnify that 
value and potential. Investing in all of our neighbors--even those who 
have broken the law--can pave the way for stronger, safer communities 
for every man, woman, and child.
  I thank Sheriff Couch and the Hall County Sheriff's Department for 
their commitment to improving the lives of inmates, and look forward to 
seeing the impact that the welding initiative will make on northeast 
Georgia.

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