Shift the course. Change the outcome.
A criminal record doesn’t just hold individuals back—it holds our economy back. Millions of capable people are locked out of the workforce, driving up public assistance costs and reducing tax revenue. SHIFT is working to change that. By restoring records through structured rehabilitation, we can help more people reenter the economy, reduce recidivism, and create stronger, more self-sufficient communities.
Lost Wages and Economic Output
People with criminal records earn about 40% less annually than those without records (Brookings, 2018). This translates into over $372 billion in lost wages every year across the U.S. economy (Center for Economic and Policy Research, 2010).
Increased Government Spending
High reliance on public benefits, including housing assistance and food security programs, increases government spending. Barriers to jobs and housing often force people with records onto welfare, food stamps, and housing programs, increasing the burden on taxpayers. Formerly incarcerated people are more likely to experience poverty, and often cycle through temporary jobs with no benefits or stability.
Increased Recidivism
$80 billion per year is spent on re-incarceration, much of it preventable through effective reentry support. If people can’t find work or housing, they’re more likely to re-offend costing the U.S. over $80 billion per year in incarceration expenses alone (Brennan Center, 2019). Investing in reentry programs and record-sealing could reduce recidivism and save billions in the long run.
Labor Shortages
Many are shut out of jobs due to background checks or licensing barriers, limiting the talent pool for employers, especially in industries like construction, healthcare, and logistics. Employers lose out on skilled workers, and the economy loses out on taxes and consumer spending.
Employers across sectors face labor shortages, while millions are barred from jobs due to outdated or overly broad record-based restrictions.