We celebrate important victories as we continue to demand a moral budget that protects Illinois’ families and communities by choosing new revenue.

The Illinois General Assembly passed several bills to reform the Cook County Criminal Justice System. These victories build on our efforts to decrease the Cook County Jail population and divert the savings into community-based programs.

With strong bi-partisan support, the Illinois General Assembly passed HB 494 to increase job opportunities for people with records in schools. This victory culminates two years of work.

Police body-worn cameras can be tools for better police supervision and civilian oversight. Through this legislation, Illinois becomes the first state in the nation to create a single state standard for police body-worn camera programs.

The Illinois General Assembly took the first step in implementing major police reforms. The police reform omnibus bill includes some of our priorities to create policy guidelines for police body-worn cameras and end stop and frisk discriminatory practices.

The Illinois General Assembly ended the spring legislative session without resolving Illinois’ FY16 budget crisis. Vital community programs and services face devastating cuts, starting July 1, if additional revenue is not approved.

There’s good news from Springfield! Thanks to 18 months of hard work by FORCE leaders and our criminal justice coalition partners, a new bill is moving. SB 42 House Amendment 1 increases health care job opportunities for people with records. It passed out of the Health Care Licensing Committee yesterday, Monday, May 18, 2015.

Participate in a virtual Day of Faith at the Capitol

“I had worked at a nursing home for 14 years,” LaKesia testified. “I had good reviews, and the residents liked me. But, none of that mattered when a new owner took over. He fired me because of my background. I applied for a waiver, but my job is already gone.”

FORCE members and community leaders from partner organizations, working with a wide coalition of criminal justice advocates, led the campaign that resulted in the passage of HB 494 in the Illinois House of Representatives on April 23.

In this Easter season, FORCE leaders are spearheading advocacy efforts for people with criminal records who have turned their lives around to have the opportunity to work in local schools. Help us keep the momentum going before the next crucial deadline.

Good morning, my name is Floyd Stafford and I’m a FORCE leader. I live on the west side of Chicago, and am currently attending The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. When I graduate in June, I will be filled with excitement and will hopefully

Help increase employment opportunities for people with criminal records. Make phone calls to the following State Representatives TODAY.

Tania, a single mother of two children, Carlos (6 years old) and Hugo (8 years old) recently lost her child care. The state program that helps low-income and working families with child care costs is out of money.

“Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain pondered his responsibility for another human being in front of God. This question, spoken thousands of years ago, is now the question that we, the people of Illinois, must also answer.

Faith leaders and community residents who have been victims of police abuse marked Ash Wednesday by calling for the City of Chicago to repent for police violence at the Mayor’s office today.

The next chapter in the story of the City of Chicago is currently being written. Unfortunately, history tells us very few people will participate in shaping the city’s future.

Nearly 1,500 people from CRS congregations and neighborhood organizations across the city filled Liberty Baptist Church on Chicago’s south side yesterday to take action in the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Current laws make it illegal for employers in schools and park districts to hire qualified, law-abiding candidates because of past mistakes, no matter how old the offenses.

Time is running out for the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation to raise the minimum wage. There are only 3 days left to take this important step.