The Illinois Senate voted on Tuesday to create a program that would teach Illinois prison inmates business skills. State Sen. Omar Aquino, a Democrat from Chicago, is the measure’s chief sponsor in the Senate. The goal of the proposed law is to decrease recidivism by providing inmates with opportunities to acquire business skills for use after release. The legislation establishes a pilot program similar to one already in place in the Texas Department of Corrections. “Because it is already tough to find employment with a felony conviction, this program gives inmates entrepreneurial skills beyond basic vocational and career training so that they can employ themselves,” Aquino said. “We want to give people the business skills that they need to create jobs and lead productive lives. This legislation will boost entrepreneurship and decrease recidivism at the same time.” Under the Prisoner Entrepreneur Education Program, inmates would learn business skills including budgeting, computer skills and public speaking. The business skills training would supplement the Illinois Department of Corrections’ existing training in a number of vocations such as automotive technology, cosmetology, print management and welding. House Bill 698 has been approved by the House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate with bipartisan support in both chambers. It now moves to the governor’s desk for final approval.