SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate Democrats joined the Illinois Network for Pretrial Fairness at a press conference at the State Capitol on Thursday to advocate for Senate Bill 4074, a measure that would help address the root causes of incarceration and prevent recidivism by providing individuals awaiting trial with access to essential social and community services.
“The Pretrial Success Grant Program puts resources directly into the communities where they're needed. It connects people released pretrial with system navigation, mental health and substance use services, transportation to court and child care,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “These are practical tools that help people show up, stay stable and move forward”
Senate Bill 4074 would allocate $15 million to the Illinois Department of Human Services to support funding the Pretrial Success Grant Program. The PSGP is a community-based network of care intended to help individuals awaiting trial navigate the legal system and obtain access to critical services like transportation, child care, mental health care, case management and substance use assessment and treatment.
Through the funding, the program would prioritize equity in communities historically burdened by Illinois’ cash bail system, coordinate support to avoid creating new barriers to success during the pretrial period, and empower trusted organizations within communities to help individuals directly impacted by the criminal-legal system.
“This funding would be critical for our communities, especially those experiencing higher rates of poverty,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “By supporting funding for the Pretrial Success Grant Program, Illinois can take an even more direct approach to reducing incarceration across the state through expanded access to vital community services.”
Hunter and Peters look forward to continued conversations with legislators, advocates and stakeholders to bolster support for the Pretrial Success Grant Program ahead of the anticipated May 31 adjournment.
