Kim Kardashian stands up for prisoners who fought LA fires and ‘were paid just a few dollars a day’

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Kim Kardashian is now advocating for a law that would require all incarcerated workers to be paid the federal minimum wage. This comes just a year after she publicly supported paying prison inmate firefighters who bravely battled the Los Angeles fires.

Kim Kardashian, 45, a well-known advocate for prison reform, has publicly supported a bill reintroduced by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker on Thursday.

This legislation proposes paying prisoners who work the same federal minimum wage as other employees, by changing the Fair Labor Standards Act. It would also limit the amount correctional facilities can deduct from prisoners’ earnings for things like fees, fines, and the cost of living.

Kardashian said witnessing incarcerated individuals helping to battle the Los Angeles fires last year inspired her support for the bill.

Last year, I saw firsthand prisoners bravely fighting the large wildfires in Los Angeles, putting their lives on the line.

Kardashian stated to People that these individuals demonstrated incredible courage and dedication while performing the same risky tasks as professional firefighters, all for a minimal daily wage of just a few dollars.

The reality star also pointed out that even though these firefighters bravely risked their lives, many will likely face challenges and fewer opportunities when they are released from prison.

As someone who believes in second chances, I was really struck by something Kim Kardashian pointed out recently. It’s incredibly tough out there for formerly incarcerated individuals, and often they’re automatically disqualified from even applying to become firefighters once they’ve served their time. Honestly, I think that’s not only unfair to these individuals trying to rebuild their lives, but it goes against the very idea of what America stands for – giving people a chance to contribute and redeem themselves.

Senator Booker initially proposed the bill in 2023, but it didn’t move forward after being sent to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

His office pointed to research from the ACLU showing that prisoners with jobs contribute billions of dollars to the US economy each year.

However, they are not paid the same as regular workers as they are behind bars for their crimes.

Last year, devastating wildfires, like those in Pacific Palisades and Eaton, were fueled by strong winds and tragically claimed over 31 lives. Kim Kardashian publicly supported the release of incarcerated individuals who volunteered to help fight the fires.

I’ve spent the last week watching my city burn. I’ve also met and talked with many firefighters who are working tirelessly through the night to protect our community.

We want to thank @calfire, Los Angeles County Fire, and Los Angeles City Fire for all their hard work protecting lives, homes, and property.

The reality star also pointed out that hundreds of incarcerated firefighters are battling all five of the Los Angeles fires, putting their lives on the line to protect others.

Kardashian expressed that they are ‘working 24 hour shifts’ on both the Palisades and Eaton Fires. 

These individuals earn very little while putting their lives on the line – some have tragically lost their lives – all to demonstrate their commitment to the community and serve as first responders. I consider them heroes.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve recently learned something truly shocking. It turns out that the men and women who bravely fight wildfires while in prison have been earning just $1 an hour for their incredibly dangerous work – and this rate hasn’t changed since 1984! It’s honestly appalling to think they risk their lives for so little compensation.

Kim highlighted that this issue hasn’t been addressed during periods of inflation, nor when wildfires worsened and resulted in fatalities.

Lawmakers reached a deal this year to increase the hourly wage for incarcerated firefighters to $5, but the agreement was unexpectedly cancelled right before it could take effect.

Kim Kardashian then called on California Governor Gavin Newsom, tweeting that she wants him to take action that hasn’t been seen from a governor in forty years.

 

Let’s increase the pay for incarcerated firefighters to a level that reflects the dangerous and life-saving work they do protecting our communities.

Kim Kardashian, who founded SKIMS, has long been a vocal advocate for changes to the criminal justice system.

In August 2024, she was joined by her sister, Kendall Jenner, to visit firefighters who were incarcerated at the Pine Grove and Growlersberg Fire Camps.

Kim shared photos from her visit and wrote about meeting the amazing firefighters who are currently incarcerated and bravely battling the California fires.

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2026-03-19 19:36