Transition from leading Transit Table to Fines and Fees Table
The start of our fiscal year marks an important period of groundwork for the Policy & Advocacy team. After an active Spring Legislative session, the fall is a time for reflection and strategic planning. During this phase, the team closely examines the coalitions CJC leads and partners with, ensuring we are aligned with our mission and goals. It's also a time to engage with the community and workforce partners, listening to their challenges so we can begin to shape future advocacy efforts. Laying this foundation sets the stage for a successful year of policy impact.
This quarter also marked a pivotal moment in our policy work. For years, the Chicago Jobs Council has led the Transit Table, securing significant legislative wins like the License to Work Act, which directly supports our mission to break down employment barriers. Recently, we shared updates on the passing of HB277, which amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to prevent the suspension of driver's licenses for failing to appear in court for minor traffic tickets. This legislation aims to reduce the penalties associated with minor traffic violations, ensuring that individuals do not lose their driving privileges for missing a court date related to such infractions. The new law takes effect in January 2025. If you haven’t read our latest update, read more here.
The Transit Table is evolving into a broader Fines & Fees Table in an exciting transition. Building on the success of ending driver’s license suspensions for minor traffic offenses, which disproportionately impacted people's ability to work, this new focus will expand efforts to address the broader issue of fines and fees. We are committed to advocating for reforms that alleviate the financial burdens these penalties place on marginalized communities across Chicago and the state. As part of this transition, we will continue to provide resources and support to individuals reinstating their licenses and ensure our community partners are equipped to help navigate these changes.
As the Transit Table ends, we’re excited to collaborate with the newly formed Illinois Fines and Fees Coalition, led by the Shriver Center on Poverty Law and the Fines and Fees Justice Center. This coalition will take a statewide approach to tackling fines and fees issues as part of a broader effort to advance racial and economic justice in Illinois. We encourage all participants from the Transit Table to join this coalition and continue raising key issues around mobility and economic equity. Those interested in participating can contact Nolan Downey at the Shriver Center (nolandowney@povertylaw.org). Together, we’ll ensure that this critical work continues to make an impact.
