Crawford Honored with 2026 House Champion Award for Efforts to End Permanent Punishment

CHICAGO – State Representative Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, was honored with the 2026 House Champion Award on Saturday, Oct. 24, by the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishment for his efforts to address the lasting barriers people face after serving their sentences.

The award recognizes Crawford’s work to advance policies that promote second chances and help individuals move forward after fulfilling their obligations to society. As part of that effort, Crawford introduced House Bill 5091, which would establish the Permanent Punishments Task Force to examine barriers to employment, housing, education and professional opportunities and develop meaningful solutions.

“Nearly 30 years ago, my chemistry teacher, Dr. Karen Lewis, taught me something I have carried with me ever since: ‘I don’t believe in throwaway people,’” Crawford said. “Those words still guide my work today. If we believe people deserve the opportunity to change and rebuild their lives, our laws and policies must reflect that belief. Accountability matters, but so do redemption, opportunity and second chances.”

Permanent punishments can continue to affect people long after they have served their sentences, creating obstacles to securing stable housing, finding employment and pursuing educational and professional goals. House Bill 5091 seeks to address these challenges by bringing stakeholders together to examine existing policies and identify opportunities for reform.

“I accept this award with gratitude and a renewed commitment to this work,” Crawford said. “I believe people should have a fair opportunity to move forward after serving their time. There are no throwaway people, and our state policies must reflect that.”