CHICAGO (March 31, 2016) – Should a single mom be barred from becoming a nurse because of a mistake she made 20 years ago as a teenager? That’s a question Illinois lawmakers will discuss as they consider a key component of criminal-justice reform next week.

Senate Bill 42, which could be called as early as next week, would allow a select group of ex-offenders to apply for occupational licenses in the health care industry. A new research report released today by the Illinois Policy Institute highlights how this bill would help ex-offenders reclaim their lives, thus saving tax dollars and reducing recidivism.

One such ex-offender is Lisa Creason, a single mom from Decatur who wants to become a registered nurse. When Lisa was 19, she attempted to steal from a Subway because she had no food for her daughter. She was convicted of attempted robbery and served her sentence. Twenty years later, she has completely rebuilt her life. She went to nursing school, hoping to become a registered nurse. But during school, Illinois law changed – barring her from becoming a nurse because of her crime from 20 years ago. She’s now part of the coalition urging lawmakers to pass SB 42 to change that.

Lisa isn’t alone in her struggle. Every year, more than 30,000 people are released from Illinois prisons and face the steep challenge of re-entering society. Nearly 50 percent of offenders released from state prisons will return within three years, costing taxpayers billions of dollars. The best way to break this cycle of incarceration is a good-paying job.

Ex-offenders who have jobs within a year after release are dramatically less likely to end up back behind bars. The Institute’s research found that even a 1 percent decline in recidivism amounts to saving the state $108.2 million over nine years in tax dollars, victimization costs and lost economic activity.

“Having a job and supporting your family is a main pillar of the American dream, and everyone deserves that opportunity,” said Bryant Jackson-Green, criminal justice policy analyst for the Illinois Policy Institute. “But many ex-offenders like Lisa are denied this dream. We tell them they served their sentence and paid the price for their crime, but state law makes them keep paying decades later by barring them from employment opportunities. The harder Illinois makes it to find a job, the harder it will be to escape the cycle of poverty and crime. Lawmakers need to remove barriers that keep former offenders out of work.”

The report offers the following reform ideas, beyond the passage of SB 42:

• Sealing expansion: Allow most nonviolent offenders the chance to apply to have their criminal records sealed as soon as they successfully complete their prison sentences or parole, if applicable.

• Business-liability reform: Protect businesses from lawsuits based solely on hiring an employee with a criminal record.

• Occupational-licensing reform: Remove legal barriers that prevent former offenders from working in most licensed occupations.

The report can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/21UDOV0

View more on Lisa Creason’s story here. http://bit.ly/234ZznI

Lisa Creason and Bryant Jackson-Green are both available for interviews.

For bookings or interviews: Kayla Weems 312-346-5700 x205

The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan research and education organization. Our vision is to make Illinois first in economic outlook and job creation, and for Illinois to become a free enterprise leader for the rest of America. As a leading independent research and education organization, the Institute generates positive and sustainable policy solutions for citizens and lawmakers that help unleash talent and entrepreneurial ability. To learn more about the Institute or review our policy work, please visit: www.illinoispolicy.org.