Valerie Newsome, volunteer, North Lawndale resident, and supporter of the Illinois Record Sealing bill: “One thing I have insight into is how hopeless people in the community feel…it’s hard to realize that there are people who want to help you.”
Valerie believes that HB5723, which would expand provisions for criminal record sealing to include up to class 4 non-violent felonies (including things like drug possession with intent to sell) would give people in the community greater hope as they seek jobs.