Rockford faith leaders back Clean Slate Act for justice

Faith leaders from the Rockford area gathered on Tuesday to support the Clean Slate Act. This act aims to speed up the process of sealing and expunging criminal records for eligible individuals. The goal is to help these individuals find jobs, stable housing, and educational opportunities. Rev. Cierra Bates-Chamberlain, who leads Live Free Illinois, spoke at the event. She emphasized that having a criminal record can make it difficult for people to access basic needs like employment and housing. She noted that Black and brown communities are especially affected by strict record policies and that these policies can trap people in poverty. Bates-Chamberlain pointed out that helping individuals clear their records can increase employment rates and boost tax revenue. She believes that it is important to empower people to overcome their pasts. "We need to allow people to move forward and take care of their families," she said. The faith leaders hope that by showing support for the Clean Slate Act, more state representatives will be motivated to pass it.