Louisiana faces no shortage of economic challenges—from persistent poverty to low labor force participation. At the same time, our state has had one of the highest incarceration rates in the country. As men and women return home from prison, they encounter one of the greatest barriers to rebuilding their lives: finding a job.

This is both a social and economic issue. For Louisiana to grow and thrive, we need robust participation in the workforce. That’s where second chance hiring comes in.

The Louisiana chapter of Right on Crime, a national campaign of the Texas Policy Foundation, recently held an event in Baton Rouge titled “Talent Unlocked.” State officials, policy experts, community advocates, and business owners gathered to discuss how to break down barriers to hiring reentry talent and shared real-world examples of second chance hiring success.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that hiring formerly incarcerated individuals isn’t just charitable, but good business. In a tight labor market, companies can’t afford to overlook willing, qualified workers. By tapping into this often-ignored group, businesses gain access to motivated employees eager for a chance to prove themselves. Second chance hires are often more loyal to their employers and, given the opportunity, work hard to build stability, reducing costly turnover for businesses. In many cases, businesses that employ justice-involved individuals are eligible for tax credits, incentives, and insurance programs, adding a financial benefit on top of the workforce gains.

Research has shown that second chance hiring also has the power to reduce recidivism and break cycles of poverty. Employment is one of the strongest predictors of whether someone returning home from prison will successfully reenter society. Every time a Louisianan secures steady work instead of returning to the justice system, taxpayers save money and communities grow stronger. One speaker challenged participants to help formerly incarcerated individuals become taxpayers, contributing to society, as opposed to tax burdens requiring further incarceration and public services.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission, which is transforming to LA Works effective October 1st, is integrating workforce and social assistance programs into a streamlined, unified system known as “One Door.” This effort will help individuals in need more quickly access critical temporary services—like SNAP (food stamps), housing, and child care—with the support of a single caseworker who is also focused on progress toward long-term self-sufficiency. The effort will also match formerly incarcerated individuals with workforce training and jobs for which they are well suited. Businesses can utilize this new opportunity to meet better meet their staffing needs, especially as new economic projects come to Louisiana and workforce demands continue to rise.

Louisianans believe in second chances and the dignity of work. Policies that remove unnecessary barriers to employment—such as excessive occupational licensing requirements—can help open doors for returning citizens. At the same time, the expansion of drug and reentry courts in Louisiana can improve access to proven programs that reduce recidivism and promote public safety. But business leaders don’t need to wait for lawmakers to advance these and other needed reforms. Many employers are already demonstrating that second chance hiring strengthens their companies and their communities.

By combining business innovation with a commitment to redemption, Louisiana can build a future where everyone has the chance to contribute—and where our economy grows stronger because of it.