Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon Gives Employers Incentive to Hire Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

 

Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon Gives Employers Incentive to  Hire Formerly Incarcerated Individuals 

Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon (5^th District) is calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois legislature to approve a resolution to help small businesses and formerly incarcerated individuals searching for work in Cook County. Last month, HB 3418, which creates the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment Communities Act was approved by the Illinois House of Representatives and referred to the Senate. 
 
The SAFER Communities Act will award wage reimbursements for employers that employ qualified formerly incarcerated individuals and provide them with on-the-job training to help them reenter the workforce. HB 3418 will help both small businesses and workers by reducing tax expenditures in reincarceration costs, improve public safety and increase revenue through income and sales taxes paid by employed returning individuals. 
 
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, many Asian, Black and Latino business owners are still recovering from the economic damaged they suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reportedly, the Chicago Metropolitan area loss 38% of its small businesses. The percentage was higher in the leisure and hospitality sector. 
 
“We need to do everything possible to address the worker shortage and its impact on our local economy,” explains Commissioner Gordon. “The unemployment rate among individuals returning from incarceration is seven times higher than for those without a criminal record.” 
 
Gordon says studies show when returning residents have jobs they are less likely to reoffend, which improves public safety. 
 
HB 3418 The SAFER Communities ACT will reimburse businesses that hire qualified returning residents and provide them with on-the-job training to help them reenter the workforce. The resolution is drafted as a pilot program for 500 returning residents.  
 
“By matching willing workers with willing employers, it’s a win-win for everyone,” says Gordon. 
 
The south suburban commissioner will present the resolution at the next Cook County Board meeting. 
 

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