Report: Driver License Suspension May Perpetuate Illinois Poverty

Report: Driver License Suspension May Perpetuate Illinois Poverty

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A Chicago organization that moves people out of poverty through employment says it’s time for Illinois to rethink policies that allow local governments to suspend people’s drivers licenses. The Chicago Jobs Council surveyed 540 Illinoisans who lost their licenses, and found that frequently the reasons were unrelated to how well they drive. Instead, the suspensions were punishment for failure to pay debts such as parking tickets and court fees. The Council says more than half of respondents said the suspensions made it harder to pay the debt because they either lost or were unable to get a job.