It is now up to Governor J.B. Pritzker to determine the future of individuals who have served their time in prison and are now looking to re-enter society. This could be made possible with the enactment of Senate Bill 1462, which is currently pending the governor’s approval.
Reintegration Opportunity for Illinois Ex-Prisoners in Casinos
Enacting Senate Bill 1462 will not guarantee job placement for past convicts, but it can certainly widen the scope of employment prospects. More specifically, it can facilitate their consideration for available positions in the hospitality field, particularly in casinos, under certain conditions.
The Illinois Gaming Board still maintains the ultimate decision-making authority in regard to the hiring of ex-convicts. The Board has the authority to deny employment to anyone deemed a potential risk to public safety, the state’s best interest, or the integrity of the gaming industry.
However, the potential ramifications of the governor’s signature could be far-reaching. It is estimated that roughly 1.5 million people in Illinois bear some form of felony charges which invariably makes securing stable employment a daunting task, often driving many back to committing crimes.
Sen. Robert Peters has eloquently articulated this reality, asserting that ensuring access to stable employment opportunities can empower individuals to break free from patterns of criminal behavior. Peters, a critic of mass incarceration, has often spotlighted the long-term adverse effects it can have on individuals:
The intertwined issues of mass incarceration and deep-seated financial inequality must be addressed. Touting a tough stance on crime while denying economic opportunities to people represents a glaring contradiction.
Sen. Robert Peters
Substantial Employment Potential for Motivated Workers
Coincidentally, the bill makes its debut at a time when vast employment opportunities are emerging in Illinois with a new casino resort, Freedom Center in River West, scheduled to open its doors in 2026. An estimated 6,000 jobs will be generated from this venture, half of which will be temporary, tied to the construction phase, representing an investment of about a whopping $1.7 billion.
Currently, about 700 positions have been opened up at a temporary site in Madinah Temple, initiated earlier this year. This presents an opportunity for Gov. Pritzker to take a decisive step in reshaping the lives of Illinois constituents by offering them a second chance. It must be noted, however, that the current bill will not provide employment opportunities within the industry for individuals convicted of severe financial crimes or violent offenders.
