KY stifles its own labor force with too many unnecessary barriers to work | Opinion

A strong economy depends on a robust labor force — but Kentucky is leaving too much talent on the sidelines. Thousands of Kentuckians want to work, but outdated policies and complicated systems are blocking their path to self-sufficiency. This Fair Chance Month, we’re spotlighting an opportunity to change that.

Recently, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, and Fifth Third Bank teamed up to host an opportunity fair and expungement clinic. Two hundred and twenty individuals came through the doors, eager to move on from old mistakes and start new careers. What we saw that day was clear: Kentuckians are ready to work. We need an actionable policy to support what our organizations are doing.

Kentucky’s expungement system is a barrier for too many. Nearly 40% of adults in the Commonwealth have a criminal record, yet fewer than 10% of eligible individuals ever obtain expungement—most often because the process is too expensive or too complicated. That’s not smart policy. It prevents individuals from gaining self-sufficiency, limits our workforce, and makes it harder for families to get ahead.

Forming a task force during the legislative interim dedicated to improving expungement would be a pragmatic step forward. The goal is simple: modernize the expungement process to make it more efficient, more affordable, and more accessible—without expanding eligibility. Doing so would open doors for more Kentuckians while growing our workforce and economy.

Reforming expungement isn’t just good for job seekers; it’s good for public safety. Employment is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce recidivism and break the cycle of incarceration. When people can earn a paycheck, they’re less likely to re-offend, which makes communities safer, moves people toward self-sufficiency, and reduces taxpayer costs.

Businesses also have a critical role to play. Fair chance hiring is on the rise across the country, and Kentucky employers are leading the way. More companies are learning how to recruit and support justice-involved individuals through efforts like the Chamber’s Fair Chance Academy. To date, the program has trained 218 employers who have hired over 550 second-chance employees. However, to truly scale these efforts, we need policymakers to reduce the red tape that keeps willing workers on the sidelines.

This work matters. It’s about increasing the workforce, creating a safer Commonwealth, and building a more robust economy.

Ashli Watts is President & CEO for the Kentucky Chamber, Amy Luttrell is President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, and Kim Halbauer is Regional President at Fifth Third Bank.

The city of Lexington will hold its spring Clean Slate Lexington Expungement Clinic and Job Fair on Thursday, April 24, at Central Bank Center. The event will once again offer residents the possibility of expunging qualifying misdemeanors and felonies from their criminal records. The expungement clinic will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 24, at Central Bank Center. Find details and register online.