The City of Columbus says companies that bid on municipal contracts will get credit for demonstrating during the qualification process that they are hiring "displaced workers" and ex-cons. The credit approved by City Council this week is tucked into an ordinance regarding city contractors purchasing environmentally-friendly products. Council member Elizabeth Brown sponsored the legislation.
Five years ago, the city launched the Restoration Academy, a program to help ex-cons get work. The legislation takes effect in January of next year.