Jeff Smith is a former state legislator and the author of “Mr. Smith Goes to Prison.” In 2004, Jeff ran for Congress, losing a close election but cementing himself as a rising star in Missouri politics. A few years later, while serving in the State Senate, he was convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice, dating back to his previous congressional campaign. He was forced to resign and sentenced to federal prison, where he spent a year behind bars.

Today, Jeff is the Executive Director of the Missouri Workforce Housing Association. Chris and Moyo sit down with him to talk about his unique position as a former legislator turned prison-reform advocate.

To learn more about the Missouri Workforce Housing Association, visit moworkforcehousing.com

Preview for next week: Chris and Coss talk with Alexandra Bailey from the Sentencing Project about why she was called to join the fight against mass incarceration and the privilege she has as an organizer.