As Illinois prepares to celebrate Columbus Day, a state and federal holiday commemorating the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas back in 1492, we must acknowledge a population whose narrative predates Columbus’ time, Native Americans and Indigenous peoples.

Today, landmark legislation for people with records is effective, providing more opportunities to obtain fair housing throughout the state of Illinois and Cook County. Thanks to you, we are celebrating the implementation of two new laws to protect human rights!

The legislation is in place for the people of Illinois need to say YES to Fair Tax. 

New Law Makes Housing Discrimination Illegal for Arrest, Expunged/Sealed, and Juvenille Records!

"Pastor, what do you think about everything that happened last week; those four kids trying to rob the house then going on that chase to Chicago?"

During the most productive session in a generation, legislators balanced the state budget and passed the largest capital program in Illinois history: legalizing adult cannabis, establishing the Reproductive Health Act, expanding gambling and legalizing sports betting. CRS is excited to share two significant victories.

These new rates will go into effect if voters approve the constitutional amendment on the fall 2020 ballot.

Housing as a Human Right, SB 1780 (HFA3), passed the Illinois General Assembly on May 31 with significant bipartisan support!

Way to go!  Yesterday, May 27, the Illinois House passed the constitutional amendment for the Fair Tax!!! The Senate passed it on May 1 .

Everyone deserves a place to call home.

Housing as a Human Right passes out of committee!

Today Governor JB Pritzker signed into law the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act as one of his first official acts in office! After years of tireless advocacy, the Illinois General Assembly passed SB 337 (PA 100-1178) on May 30, 2018 with bipartisan support. Many lives will be saved by this legislation.

HB 5341, also known as the F.A.T.E. (Fair Access To Employment) Bill, was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner on Friday, August 10. This legislation clarifies that outstanding legal financial obligations like fines, fees, and court costs cannot be considered when reviewing a sealing petition.

The legislation clarifies that outstanding legal financial obligations cannot be considered when reviewing a sealing petition.

HB 5341 will prohibit outstanding legal financial obligations from being considered when a person files to have their record sealed.

This was a good year for CRS’ platform for restoring opportunities and building a just economy for safe communities. The General Assembly passed several of our priority bills.

Take action now and ask your representative to support the F.A.T.E. (Fair Access to Employment) bill for people with criminal records. It will be called for a vote soon!

Our work to stop illegal guns from entering our communities continues in a new effort, SB 337 SA 3, the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act.

After years of trying to license gun dealers in Illinois, the House finally passed SB 1657.

We asked the candidates about issues that are most important to our communities and align with CRS’ 2018 Platform for Renewal.