“All of my family members growing up were barbers, cosmetologists, jobs like like that. I learned to love being around people since they were always coming through my house to get a cut. “I love to cut hair, I love being around people. And enrolling in barber school was one of the first positive things...
Imposing civil fines instead of criminal penalties for marijuana possession is a smart first step toward changing how the state deals with low-level, nonviolent crimes.
If Gov. Bruce Rauner signs SB 42, ex-offenders would gain the chance to prove their rehabilitation and earn the right to work in medical occupations.
A recent survey of Illinois voters by the U.S. Justice Action Network shows vast popular support for criminal-justice reform.
The Illinois House has voted to impose civil fines rather than criminal penalties for low-level marijuana possession.
The White House encourages raising the minimum wage as a way to reduce crime, but this proposal ignores what happens when people are priced out of legal work.
Michigan, Minnesota and now Nebraska have reformed civil asset forfeiture – it’s time Illinois followed suit.
HB 5937 prohibits the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation from barring former offenders from working in these areas unless their crimes directly relate to the occupations for which they seek licenses. A job is crucial to preventing repeat offenses: Nearly half of ex-offenders in Illinois end up back behind bars within three years, but ex-offenders who are employed a year after release can have a recidivism rate as low as 16 percent.
An effective record-sealing policy can help nonviolent offenders find employment and stay away from crime.
By investing in community-based programs that treat nonviolent offenders’ drug and mental health problems, Illinois can avoid more costly expenditures on incarceration.
When they let me out of prison, I held my head up high. Determined I would rise above the shame. But no matter where I’m living, the black mark follows me. I’m branded with a number on my name. —Merle Haggard
By allowing offenders to submit applications for barbering licenses within six months before release from prison, Illinois will reduce wait times for licensing – and reduce the likelihood those ex-offenders will return to crime. But more reforms are needed.
In the midst of the state’s budget, pension and out-migration crises, an Illinois politician has introduced SB 2143 to ban the sale of bobcat pelts, as well as the trapping of these animals.