Nick Reisman reports for New York State of Politics that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law Nov. 3 to study whether there should be more education programs in state prisons. "When incarcerated individuals reenter society, it's critical we ensure they are prepared and ready to forge a path for themselves and their families," Hochul said. "By embarking on a detailed study of how we can improve education for those who are incarcerated, we will be able to identify and implement the programs and resources necessary for ensuring those who are reentering society have the best shot at success. This not only benefits the individual and their families, but the community at large, as well." A nine-member panel appointed by Hochul and the majority and minority parties in the Assembly and Senate, will make recommendations on the issue. In 2014, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo supported a plan to provide access to college courses for people prison, until he backed off after a bipartisan backlash. Then in 2017 the Cuomo's administration spent $7 million on colleges providing courses to people in prison to reduce recidivism. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.