(06/01/06) TRENTON ? Ex-convicts in New Jersey say state officials need to offer more assistance if they want former criminals to stay out of trouble, and out of jail.

Those who have gone to prison and are trying to make a new living for themselves say it?s extremely difficult. According to ex-convicts, it is almost impossible to find a job for income. This can often leave some of those individuals to fall back into a life of crime in order to get money.

A Rutgers public policy professor says the difficulty of New Jersey ex-convicts to re-enter society end up hurting taxpayers in the end. The professor says if more doors are opened, residents won?t have to pay the $28,000 per person a year to send a person back to jail. One of the major ideas for change being offered is easier access to housing and other assistance programs for ex-convicts.

Related Information: Legal Action Center Study