Ex-offenders got one step closer to receiving help to start a business in Illinois thanks to legislation the Illinois House passed Wednesday that would create a new loan program.
Ex-offenders got one step closer to receiving help to start a business in Illinois thanks to legislation the Illinois House passed Wednesday that would create a new loan program. House Bill 436, sponsored by state Rep. LaSahawn K. Ford, D-8th, will now go before the state Senate for further consideration. If the measure becomes law, the loan program would be able to secure funding through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development, as part of the Second Chance Act of 2008, to help some ex-offenders start a business. “If we are ever going to close the revolving door on our state, we need to help reformed offenders find gainful employment and get their lives back on track,” Ford said in a written statement. “Incarceration is expensive, and with such a high percentage of offenders returning to prison, it’s obvious that we need to change our way of dealing with crime.” Ex-offender Melvin Boone, 45, served 10 years in a state prison for attempted murder and was released in August. Since his release, he has not been able to find steady employment but has always wanted to start his own business. “While incarcerated, I thought a lot about what I wanted to do once I got out and I have always enjoyed gardening,” he said. “So if I could get some financial backing, I would start my own landscape business. All I need is a chance to show I can do this.” The Second Chance Act authorizes $165 million in spending per year, including matching grants to state and local governments and non-governmental groups, to experiment with efforts like more schooling and drug treatment inside prison and aid with housing, employment and the building of family and community ties after release. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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