Today, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner released his fifth batch of decisions on executive clemency petitions. The Governor will typically issue clemency decisions ahead of major holidays, with this Thanksgiving being no exception. This batch consists of 210 decisions, with 10 of them being granted. According to Governor Rauner's Office, there are still roughly 1,200 petitions pending in the backlog now. Most of the backlog built up under former Governor Blagojevich.

Congratulations and Happy Thanksgiving to those receiving their pardons! I'm sure that you will have plenty to be thankful for. For those denied or still pending, enjoy your holiday as well and don't give up hope because your time may still come.

President Barack Obama recently issued an executive order requiring federal agencies to "delay inquiries into criminal history until later in the hiring process." The "Ban the Box" order does away with the question on federal job applications asking if the applicant has been convicted of a felony. Many employers use this question as one of the initial filters to sift through applications. As a result, many talented applicants are dropped because of a blemish on their criminal record, no matter how old.

By banning the box, those individuals would at least have the chance to get their foot in the door. Background checks would still be performed on the candidates, but not until after they have already made an impression on those hiring.

In Rex Huppke's column in the Chicago Tribune, he does a great job laying out why banning the box is good, but more is needed. By taking more pro-active steps to help rehabilitated people get employment, we can reduce recidivism and get talented people into positions which need them. Society is helped twice over. Illinois lawmakers have recognized this fact, and have begun implementing some steps. President Obama's executive order will hopefully serve to extend this understanding to the national stage.