Congressman Horsford Holds Roundtable at Florence McClure Women’s Correctional Center on Breaking the Cycle of Violence and Building Opportunity

LAS VEGAS, NEV. — On Wednesday, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) and his wife, Dr. Sonya Horsford, joined incarcerated women at Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center for a roundtable conversation about breaking the cycle of violence and building opportunity in underserved communities.

This visit was one in a series of events that Congressman Horsford has held to hear from constituents across Nevada's Fourth District about how his Break the Cycle of Violence Act would impact their lives.

"When the women of Florence McClure complete their sentences, they deserve to return to safe communities that give them the chance to succeed," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "During yesterday's roundtable conversation, Sonya and I heard unfiltered stories about the toll that violence and lack of opportunity is taking on Nevada's most vulnerable people. As I return to Washington, the lessons we learned today will guide my work to pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act and support Nevadans from all walks of life. As we fight for progress, the people who are closest to the pain must always have a voice in shaping the policy. Thank you to Acting Warden Najera and the staff of the Nevada Department of Corrections for making today's visit possible."

"We extend our gratitude to Congressman Horsford for visiting Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center and for his support of our mission to help these women become productive citizens. We join the Congressman in his commitment to providing job training and the marketable skills necessary for successful re-entry into society," said Gabriela Najera, Acting Warden of Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center / Jean Conservation Camp.

Background on the Break the Cycle of Violence Act

In June 2021, 29 years after his father's death from gun violence, Congressman Horsford introduced the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, a $6.5 billion investment in community violence intervention programs. The bill would award $5 billion in grants over eight years to community-based non-profit organizations to disrupt violence, decrease gun-related crimes, and build safer communities. The Break the Cycle of Violence Act would also create a $1.5 billion grant program for job training, education, apprenticeships, skilled trades training, or other work experiences for opportunity youth in communities disproportionately impacted by violence.

Background on Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center

Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center is Nevada's only prison for women. The prison, which can house up to 950 people, offers a wide range of vocational training, educational opportunities, and treatment services. Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center has received acclaim for its New Path Cosmetology Class, which helps incarcerated women earn their cosmetology license and prepare for employment after prison.