OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, on Thursday, expressed his gratitude toward Gov. Kevin Stitt for signing a bill that will encourage incarcerated individuals to learn a new skill or trade before they complete their sentence and reenter society.

Pae is the House author of Senate Bill 11, a restorative workforce bill requested by Prison Fellowship.

"This gives incarcerated individuals an opportunity to apply for tuition aid assistance if they enroll in a degree program," Pae said. "Research shows us that these individuals are 40 percent less likely to recidivate with this type of education and training, and every one dollar invested in correctional education leads to five dollars in cost savings to taxpayers."

Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, is the principal author of the bill. 

“By giving incarcerated Oklahomans the ability to apply for financial assistance to obtain a college degree, Senate Bill 11 will significantly reduce the chances that offenders return to a life of crime,” Rader said. “Many people are not able to afford college without scholarships or other financial aid. Before being released from prison, offenders will now have more resources than ever to chart a course to earn a degree that will help them reenter the workforce and start over.”

SB11 allows an incarcerated individual who is within five years of being released to be eligible for a state tuition aid grant. The act takes effect July 1.