Ammons Bills Head to House Floor, Tackling Education and Economic Opportunity

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to bring transformative change to Champaign-Urbana communities and statewide, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, successfully advanced legislation filling crucial gaps in education and access to economic opportunities.

“Spearheading these bills, to me, is about restoring opportunity,” said Ammons. “Whether it’s through fairer licensing, access to education, or removing unnecessary barriers, we’re creating real pathways for all Illinoisans to prosper.”

In efforts to expand pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals, Ammons’ House Bill 3462 would refine licensing requirements for those with a criminal record — enforcing the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) to evaluate licensing applications based on the manner of a person’s conviction, rather than if they possess “good moral character,” an ambiguous term used for justification of denial.

Plus, continuing her advocacy for expanded education for the incarcerated, Ammons’ House Bill 2466 would further support formerly incarcerated students by removing a provision that excludes them from the opportunity to participate in academic programs and financial aid, such as the monetary assistance program (MAP).

Ammons’ work also seeks to remove barriers that hinder those from practicing their profession. House Bill 3356 removes hair-braiding from the list of license cosmetology professions, allowing individuals to self-start in the hair braiding profession without having the financial obligation to pay IDFPR a licensing fee.

“These reforms are about opportunity, access and opening doors that were once closed,” said Ammons. “I’m pleased that these measures will support many individuals in many communities — allowing everyone a fair shot at rebuilding their lives by removing barriers so people can pursue education, employment and entrepreneurship.”