Governor Hochul wants to allow state prison inmates to work for private employers.
Inmates are currently allowed to work low-wage prison jobs, but Hochul says her proposal would allow them to earn much more, wages comparable to what people earn outside prison.
New York would become the 30th state to take part in a federal program that lets private companies team up with state prison systems.
Hochul says the jobs could better prepare inmates for life on the outside and the state could garnish up to 50% of the money earned.
The plan is included in Hochul's proposed budget.