According to NC Aizenman of the Washington Post, "More than one in 100 adults in the United States is in prison, a record level that is costing state governments nearly $50 billion a year and the federal government another $5 billion.” (Aizenmann) Do we, as American citizens, ever consider the effects of incarceration on those who are re-entered into society? , such as finding paid work, housing, or reconnecting with friends and family During the impact of the recession, many people with a college degree and no criminal record are facing a difficult time finding work, so what does this mean for those who have been incarcerated? “It's two or three times harder than it is for people with criminal records to find work because of our economy, because they're up against people who don't have barriers,” said Terence Jackson, director of access services at Pikes Peak. Workforce Center (qtd. in Cotter), in this case, people who have criminal records must be able to stay on the resumes or job applications they have posted, instead of sitting and waiting for a callback as many others can do without that the effects of previous incarceration hold them back. It won't be easy, but it is possible, as long as the individual is proactive in their job search (Cotter). Also, start by talking to your potential employer about your criminal convictions ahead of time, to test the waters and see if they would be willing to consider hiring an ex-offender. When it comes to jobs, these days with the job market the way it is, job applications or resumes from ex-offenders will obviously fall to...middle of paper....... Cotter, Barbara. “Ex-offenders looking for work encouraged to overcome adversity.” Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO) November 11, 2010: Viewpoint Reference Center. Network. November 16, 2013. Freudenberg, Nicholas. "Coming home from prison." American Jails 20.4 (2006): 9. MasterFILE completed. Network. November 16, 2013.Michel, Martin. “Study: Ex-Inmates Free From Prison, But Mired in Poverty.” Tell Me More (NPR) (n.d.): Viewpoint Reference Center. Network. November 16, 2013.Ray Sanders, Bob. “The High Costs of Lock-'Em-Up Culture.” Winnipeg Free Press (MB) October 9, 2010: H13. Reference center Points of view. Network. November 16, 2013.Richard A. Lewisfellowicf, International. “Barriers to re-entry for ex-offenders.” FDCH Congress Testimony (nd): Reference Center for Points of View. Network. November 16, 2013.Sturges, Judith E. “Victims Ignored.” American Jails 21.3 (2007): 9. MasterFILE completed. Network. November 16. 2013.