Ammons Advances Educational, Professional Opportunity for Returning Citizens

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Easing obstacles returning citizens face after being released from state facilities, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, successfully passed measures out of the House restoring educational and professional opportunities for the current and formerly incarcerated.

“When we give our formerly incarcerated the tools they need to earn a living and support themselves, we open the door for them to move forward in their lives, pave a stable path and reduce the likelihood of them returning to a facility,” said Ammons. “This is about giving second chances to improve not only the lives of returning citizens, but uplifting the safety and vitality of communities as a whole.”

To expand pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals, Ammons’ House Bill 3462 loosens 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.

And as a staunch advocate for expanded college-in-prison education, Ammons’ House Bill 2466 further supports former and currently 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). According to recent Prison Policy data, 69% of incarcerated people expressed interest in obtaining a college degree, but only 3% of incarcerated adults in Illinois have post-high school education.

“We know that education leads to lower recidivism rates, makes economic security more likely for our residents once they leave state facilities, and helps foster safer communities for all,” said Ammons. “Restoring access to critical student aid for these individuals is vital to them re-entering everyday life and having the resources they need to be their best.”

Both measures passed out of the House Chamber and await bicameral action.