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PRISONER ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING PILOT PROGRAM SIGNED INTO LAW

08/24/2017

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill into law today creating a program to teach Illinois prison inmates business skills. State Senator Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, was the measure’s chief sponsor in the Senate.

The goal of the legislation is to decrease recidivism by providing inmates with opportunities to acquire business skills for use after release. The legislation establishes a pilot program similar to one already in place in the Texas Department of Corrections.

“It is already tough to find employment with a felony conviction. This program gives inmates entrepreneurial skills beyond basic vocational and career training so that they can employ themselves,” Aquino said. “We want to give people the business skills that they need to create jobs in their neighborhoods and lead productive lives. This legislation will boost entrepreneurship and decrease recidivism at the same time.”

Under the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program, inmates would learn business skills including budgeting, computer skills and public speaking. The business skills training would supplement the Illinois Department of Corrections’ existing training in a number of vocations such as automotive technology, cosmetology, print management and welding.

House Bill 698 has been signed into law by Rauner and will take effect immediately.