Kim Kardashian Says Prisoners Who Fought L.A. Wildfires Were Paid ‘Just a Few Dollars,’ and She Wants to Change That

**Kim Kardashian Backs New Bill to Ensure Minimum Wage for Incarcerated Workers**

Kim Kardashian has lent her support to a recent initiative led by Senator Cory Booker, aimed at securing federal minimum wage for individuals incarcerated in federal prisons. The legislation, reintroduced this week, seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act, ensuring that prisoners are paid fairly for the labour they perform.

Senator Booker, representing New Jersey, first presented this bill in 2023; however, it did not progress past the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The new push comes at a crucial time, as LGBTQ+ challenges persist regarding the treatment of incarcerated individuals. The proposed amendments would also address excessive deductions that are currently applied to prisoners’ earnings, which can include fees, fines, and other living costs associated with incarceration.

Kardashian cited her concern for the welfare of incarcerated workers, particularly after witnessing their efforts during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles last year. “I personally watched incarcerated people who risked their lives battling the massive wildfires in Los Angeles last year,” she remarked in a statement. Her first-hand experience of their bravery prompted her to advocate for fair compensation, expressing that it was unjust for these individuals to receive only minimal pay while performing perilous duties akin to those of professional firefighters.

Kardashian pointed out the paradox of providing rigorous support and liability for these workers, only to deny them opportunities once they are released. “In many cases, they’re banned from even applying for firefighting jobs once they’re released,” she emphasised. Kardashian’s comments reflect a growing concern over barriers faced by former inmates seeking to reintegrate into society.

Not only does the proposed legislation aim to secure fair wages, but it also addresses the broader implications of employment for incarcerated people. Senator Booker noted that denying fair compensation undermines the potential for successful reentry into society. “Incarcerated workers contribute meaningful labour that supports our economy and our communities, yet they are denied a fair wage that could help support victims and assist in their reentry,” he stated.

The impact of incarcerated workers on the economy is substantial. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), these individuals collectively contribute billions of pounds to the U.S. economy annually. However, advocates have highlighted the stark contrast between wages paid to incarcerated individuals versus those paid to their free counterparts. Terrance Winn, a long-time prison reform advocate, shared his experience, revealing he earned no more than 16 pence per hour during his three decades behind bars.

Kardashian’s advocacy for criminal justice reform extends beyond this legislation. Earlier in 2023, she and her sister Khloe visited California State Prison in Los Angeles County as part of their involvement with the REFORM Alliance’s Future Shapers Advisory Council. This initiative aimed to engage with incarcerated individuals directly, allowing Kardashian to learn more about their experiences and challenges.

In a further show of her commitment to address systemic injustices, Kardashian played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the case of Dawn Jackson, a victim of sexual abuse who endured decades in prison. Following Kardashian’s campaign for Jackson, her sentence was commuted in 2024, highlighting the positive influence of celebrity advocacy in the pursuit of justice.

The legislation supported by Kardashian and Booker has garnered backing from various prominent figures, including Congress Members Emanuel Cleaver and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who intend to introduce related legislation in the House. Additionally, major civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU and the Brennan Center for Justice, have also endorsed the bill, further signalling a collective desire for reform in the treatment of incarcerated workers.

As discussions around criminal justice reform continue to unfold, Kardashian’s involvement underscores the potential for celebrities to effect change. By aligning with Senator Booker’s efforts, she adds her voice to a critical dialogue aimed at addressing wage disparity and securing justice for those who have faced significant obstacles in their lives.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen what influence this high-profile endorsement will have on the progress of the bill through Congress and whether it can finally secure a fair wage for those who have long been overlooked within the U.S. penal system.