How does “It takes a village” apply to a community experiencing trauma? We can no longer afford to inadvertently lead future generations blindly onto a pathway of engulfing racist policies/practices.

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.

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

Everyone deserves a place to call home.

Housing as a Human Right passes out of committee!

Florida voters just approved a constitutional amendment to restore the right to vote to people with conviction histories. In Illinois, we already have that right but we don’t have access.

The FICPFM network has a profound commitment to transform society by transforming the US criminal justice system. Help end the unjust policy of money bail.

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!

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

With the support of the Mayor, the Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Chicago to ensure that the CDP implements recommended DOJ reforms...

“Finally, I can have an opportunity to provide for my family and show society I am rehabilitated,” said Karlos Lloyd, a FORCE leader...

I’m Karlos Lloyd. I’m a FORCE leader and I traveled to Springfield eight times this session to advocate for HB 2373, which would expand eligibility for records to be sealed.

Community Renewal Society advocates for economic and criminal justice reform policies that restore opportunities for people with criminal records and support police accountability reform throughout Illinois. We oppose new mandatory minimums or sentence enhancements, especially as a solution to gun violence.

Quintin Williams shares his research on HB 3142 and calls for support to "Ban the Box" in higher education.

Calling all Faith in Action advocates!  We are midway through the 2017 spring legislative session and your voice is needed to bring justice to Springfield. 

Illinois senators will soon vote on a bill that would enhance Illinois’ already harsh sentencing policies but not reduce violence. This proposal is a continuation of harmful public policies that studies have shown are ineffective.