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Let me tell you a story about the future of Illinois—a story that starts with a number that represents a world of second chances: $5.6 million. In the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, that $5.6 million is dedicated to getting the Clean Slate Act off the ground. For anyone who has been trapped in the shadow of a past mistake, this isn't just a line item. This is the key to unlocking new jobs, finding safe housing, and finally leaving the criminal justice system in the

For families navigating the criminal justice system, the cost of staying in touch with an incarcerated loved one is often an overwhelming financial burden. A new piece of legislation introduced in the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill 4235 , aims to dismantle these financial barriers and protect the right to physical visitation. Introduced on January 14, 2026, by Representative Rita Mayfield, this bill proposes significant amendments to the Unified Code of Corrections. If

For too long, a past conviction in Illinois has meant a lifetime of closed doors. These "Permanent Punishments" prevent thousands of residents from fully participating in the workforce and society, even decades after they have served their time. House Bill 4277, introduced by Representative Rita Mayfield for the 104th General Assembly, represents a concrete step toward tearing down these barriers and creating a pathway to being Fully Free. What HB4277 Does Currently, the Illi

The Free2Move Coalition  is leading the drive to end pretextual traffic stops that disproportionately target Black and Latine  people in Chicago , including drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. As a Free2Move Coalition Member , the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments has a direct interest in supporting this measure because these stops occur at higher rates compared to white neighbors and can escalate to harm and death, despite a lack of evidence that they decreas

Members of the Clean Slate Illinois Coalition pose with legislative champions after the bill was signed by Governor Pritzker. Every February, Black History Month invites us to reflect on the struggles, victories, and leadership that have shaped this country. It is a time to honor the past, but also to reckon with the present and commit to building a more just future. At ENDPP.ORG , Black history is not something we only reflect on once a year. It lives in our work every day.

Free game most lobbyists would charge you for💡 Rules of Building Winning Legislative Campaigns (From the school of hard lessons under the dome) Rule #1  — Socialize the vision before you introduce the bill. If you’re bringing a new concept for change, the community and key elected leaders should hear it early. You don’t want the first time a legislator learns about your idea to be when the bill is dropped in their lap. Because if they hear it for the first time after introdu

What began in 2012 as a fight for a second chance has grown into a movement to end permanent punishment altogether led by the very people the system once tried to erase.