New bill aims to help the formerly incarcerated and small businesses

The program would go further than past efforts, providing actual jobs and subsidies to businesses who hire people returning from prison.

By Andrew Meriwether
James Webb demonstrated spray foam tool
James Webb, left, demonstrates a spray foam insulation tool to his friend Darius Digby at the Chicago Green Insulation warehouse. Both men faced challenges finding work as returning citizens. A proposed bill in Springfield aims to provide wage subsidies for small businesses to hire people like Webb and Digby. Esther Yoon-Ji Kang / WBEZ
James Webb demonstrated spray foam tool
James Webb, left, demonstrates a spray foam insulation tool to his friend Darius Digby at the Chicago Green Insulation warehouse. Both men faced challenges finding work as returning citizens. A proposed bill in Springfield aims to provide wage subsidies for small businesses to hire people like Webb and Digby. Esther Yoon-Ji Kang / WBEZ

New bill aims to help the formerly incarcerated and small businesses

The program would go further than past efforts, providing actual jobs and subsidies to businesses who hire people returning from prison.

By Andrew Meriwether
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Illinoisans returning from prison could get additional help finding employment. The SAFER Communities Act aims to provide vouchers and training for the formerly incarcerated. Advocates say the bill could also help small businesses struggling to find employees.

Reset learns about the legislation and its potential impact.

GUEST: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, reporter on WBEZ’s race, class, and communities