Demonstrating that Empowerment Makes Opportunities Act; DEMO Act
Summary
The DEMO Act aims to reduce labor shortages in healthcare by providing grants for demonstration projects. These projects will offer education and training to individuals with arrest or conviction records, enabling them to pursue careers in high-demand health professions. The Act amends Section 2008 of the Social Security Act and allocates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund these initiatives.
Expected Effects
The Act could increase the healthcare workforce by tapping into a previously underutilized population. It may also reduce recidivism by providing job training and opportunities to individuals with criminal records. The grants will be awarded to eligible entities that demonstrate the capacity to administer the projects effectively.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved areas.
- Reduced recidivism rates among individuals with arrest or conviction records.
- Improved economic opportunities for low-income individuals.
- Greater diversity and inclusivity within the healthcare workforce.
- Potential for innovative training and support programs that can be replicated nationwide.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse or mismanagement of grant funds.
- Risk of inadequate training or support leading to poor job performance.
- Possible resistance from healthcare employers to hiring individuals with criminal records.
- Administrative burden on the Secretary and involved agencies.
- Limited funding may restrict the scope and impact of the demonstration projects.
Constitutional Alignment
The DEMO Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it seeks to promote the health and well-being of the population by addressing healthcare workforce shortages and providing opportunities for individuals with arrest or conviction records. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).