From expanding voting rights to investing in historically underserved communities, JB’s administration is making social justice and the fight for equity a top priority.
Established the Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative, led by the Lt. Governor, to advance criminal justice reform and equity-focused programs
Used cannabis tax revenue to address communities harmed by violence, excessive incarceration, and economic disinvestment
Doubled the amount of funding for violence prevention and anti-violence programs
Expunged minor cannabis-related offenses for 500,000 Illinoisans, reducing barriers to employment, housing and professional licenses
Enacted an historic reform agenda to address systemic racism initiated by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, including criminal justice reform, education, economic opportunity, and health care
Allocated $40 million for new home buyers, providing down payments and student loan repayment assistance to working class families and communities of color across the state
Launched “Healing Illinois” initiative to advance racial healing through grants to community organizations
Increased access to the ballot by expanding early voting and vote-by-mail during the 2020 election