Make calls today! Get HB 494 out of committee!

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

What’s Happening?

Teleza Rodgers wants steady work to provide for her three sons, but she has been unable to find a job even though she has turned her life around. HB 494 to remove lifetime barriers for people with criminal records will be heard in the House Elementary and Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Policies Committee on Wednesday morning.  

HB 494 would promote self-sufficiency by allowing hardworking men and women like Teleza to apply for jobs in school districts for which they are currently barred due to past mistakes and reduce recidivism—making our communities safer, saving taxpayers money, and allowing employers to determine for themselves who they want to hire.

For more information, view the fact sheet on HB 494.

When?

The Committee will hold a hearing on HB 494 on Wednesday, March 25 at 8 a.m. in Springfield.

How can you help?

Call the committee members’ offices on Tuesday March 24. You can leave a message with staff answering the phones, and say “I am calling to ask the Representative to vote yes on HB 494 when it comes up for a vote in the Elementary and Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Policies Committee on Wednesday.”

Calling all the offices will only take a few minutes of your time and will make real impact!

If you’re finished with your calls and want more to do, file an electronic slip in support of HB 494.

Who should you call?

Call these committee members who have not committed to support HB 494 yet and report your calls:

Esther Golar (D-Chicago)
(217) 782-5971

Mike Smiddy (D-Port Byron)
(217) 782-3992

Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove)
(217) 782-6578

Katherine Cloonen (D-Kankakee)
(217) 782-5981

Fred Crespo (D-Streamwood)
(217) 782-0347

Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg)
(217) 782-3725

Sue Scherer (D-Decatur)
(217) 524-0353

Carol Sente (D-Lincolnshire)
(217) 782-0499

Kathleen Willis (D- Northlake)
(217) 782-3374

Robert Pritchard (R-Sycamore)  
(217) 782-0425

Sheri L Jesiel (R-Gurnee)
(217) 782-8151

Barbara Wheeler (R- Crystal Lake)
(217) 782-1664

This is the deadline week for bills to pass out of committee.  
Please take a few minutes to make calls TODAY.  
Report your calls and let us know how it went.