Peters measure to empower crime survivors advances

SPRINGFIELD – Crime survivors will soon have a new voice in public safety policy making thanks to the efforts of State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“I fundamentally believe that public safety must belong to the people,” Peters said. “This measure will center crime survivors and put them at the center of the conversation without fear of repercussion.”

House Bill 4736, which would help invest in community-centered public safety by  creating a Crime Reduction Task Force to develop and propose ways to reduce crime across the state. The Crime Reduction Task Force would be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors. The measure would also establish a co-responder pilot program.

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Johnson supports efforts to reduce crime in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce crime in Illinois, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) backed the Crime Reduction Task Force Act which works to establish recommendations to the General Assembly to better address the equity needs of local communities.

“Ensuring safety and security for all of Illinois’ residents is undoubtedly the highest obligation of government,” said Johnson. “This legislation looks to lean on not only law enforcement for the best approach, but seeks community and expert input as well.”

Read more: Johnson supports efforts to reduce crime in Illinois

Peters measure to expand access to fentanyl testing clears General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to help medical professionals get more tests into the hands of individuals who battle opioid addiction cleared the General Assembly thanks to State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). 

“This measure will help save lives,” Peters said. “We still have a long way to go, but removing these penalties is a responsible way to address the opioid crisis and to create real public safety for all instead of continuing the misguided policies of the past.”

Read more: Peters measure to expand access to fentanyl testing clears General Assembly

Loughran Cappel measure to support mental health services advances

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce recidivism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) championed a measure to help fund mental health and substance use prevention services for incarcerated individuals and people scheduled for release from the criminal justice system.

“So many issues surrounding recidivism and our criminal justice system are rooted in mental health and substance use disorders,” Loughran Cappel said. “Ensuring our local governments can help people where it is most needed will benefit not just the incarcerated individuals, but also the community as a whole.”

Under Loughran Cappel’s plan, House Bill 4364 would create the Fund Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention Fund to create grants for local governments and public universities to provide mental health and substance use prevention to people who are incarcerated.

Read more: Loughran Cappel measure to support mental health services advances