Bright spot: State IDs for the formerly incarcerated

👋 Monica here. Years ago, I accompanied my 8th grade daughter while she did interviews with unhoused people on Michigan Avenue. Her last question to each was what they'd say if they could talk to the mayor.

• More than one said they'd ask for a program to give state IDs to people leaving prison because official IDs are essential to getting a job, entering a shelter and starting a new life.

The bright spot: This year the State of Illinois started a pilot program to furnish people leaving prison with state IDs.

• The pilot has produced 346 IDs as of October, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

What's next: By April 2022, the program will extend to all 27 Illinois correctional facilities, IDOC officials say.