Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – Following the misinformation campaign on the Pretrial Fairness Act, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt voted to pass House Bill 1095 out of the Senate. This bill seeks to clarify provisions in the Pretrial Fairness Act, which goes into effect this January.

“My colleagues and I are proud of what we’ve accomplished with the SAFE-T Act, and we wanted to ensure that the purpose of Pretrial Fairness Act is protected,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “There was so much misinformation spread around the elimination of the cash bail system, and we wanted to make sure there is no confusion when the law is implemented in January.”

House Bill 1095 will clarify the Pretrial Fairness Act’s dangerousness standard, trespassing, and other terms related to the transition to the new system. Current detainees can request to have the new system applied to their situation, with the system designed to give the court extended time to review more serious cases.

Further, the measure explains that judges can issue warrants and summons, providing a reminder that any person who poses a threat to the community or someone else – including trespassers – can be arrested, and clarifying court authority when it comes to electronic monitoring, among other items. 

“This bill is not really changing anything in the SAFE-T Act, rather guaranteeing that its language cannot be taken out of context,” Van Pelt said. “This was a collaborative process with law enforcement, states attorneys and other stakeholders, and so many people are awaiting this much-needed change.”

House Bill 1095 passed the Senate Thursday. The measure is a collaborative effort alongside law enforcement, states attorneys, End Money Bond Coalition, ACLU of Illinois, the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, CAASE, and more.

To combat any confusion or misinformation, anyone with questions can find quick facts and graphics for the SAFE-T Act at HB3653.org.

SPRINGFIELD – In collaboration with law enforcement, states attorneys and other stakeholders, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed a measure Thursday to clarify the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensure smooth implementation of the law.

“The SAFE-T Act was the result of hours of testimony and negotiations with domestic violence advocates, proponents of reform, law enforcement and states attorneys at the table working to create a pathway to a better and more equitable criminal legal system,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “However, due to the misinformation campaign led by opponents of the measure, we spent countless hours dispelling falsehoods and working to ensure that the law was not taken out of context. The trailer we passed allows us to clarify the language of this transformational law while preserving the protections for crime survivors and ensures we stop criminalizing poverty in this state.”

A joint effort, the bill provides clarification to common misconceptions spread about the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passage in January 2021. In recent months, a smear campaign against the law overwhelmed social media and headlines of fake newspapers, leaving many Illinoisans confused on what the law actually does.

“This bill protects the intent of the Pretrial Fairness Act,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “I’m thankful for the Coalition to End Money Bond, the state’s attorneys association, the sheriff’s association, and victim advocates for their role in coming together and making this happen.”

House Bill 1095 combats the false narrative by explaining judges can issues warrants and summons, providing a reminder that any person who poses a threat to the community or someone else – including trespassers – can be arrested, and clarifying court authority when it comes to electronic monitoring, among other items. 

“These historic reforms put Illinois in the national vanguard as we build a more fair and equitable criminal legal system,” said Cook County Public Defender Sharone R. Mitchell, Jr . “We are immensely proud of the joint efforts by advocacy groups, lawmakers and system partners to fight back against the fearmongering and misinformation and to preserve the essence of this landmark for justice.”

Under House Bill 1095, the intent of the Pretrial Fairness Act remains – the bill merely clarifies language to ensure it cannot be taken out of context.

“Our goal remains ensuring the Illinois’ pre-trial system is equitable and everyone is treated equally regardless of their financial status,” said Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign). “It was pertinent to bring together a diverse group of individuals to create a comprehensive plan that maintains the intent of the Pretrial Fairness Act while ensuring our court systems have the tools they need to serve their communities. I am proud of our effort to improve the consistency within the law.”

To provide a smoother transition to the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act, the measure also clarifies that any person charged on or after Jan. 1 will have their pretrial release determined under the new system.

It also outlines that anyone charged prior to Jan. 1 would stay on the current bail system, however, people arrested prior to that can motion to have their case heard under the new rules – which will happen on a rolling basis dependent on the severity of the crime.

“Our top priorities always have been to ensure public safety and to protect the rights of all individual citizens, both victims and those accused of criminal offenses,” said Julia Rietz, Champaign County States Attorney and president of the Illinois States Attorneys Association. “We appreciate that my colleagues and I, along with our law enforcement partners, had a seat at the table during these negotiations to address our concerns and be a part of the process of creating a comprehensive bill that supports the intent of the Pretrial Fairness Act, addresses logistical concerns, and most importantly protects public safety. I thank lawmakers and advocates for their collaborative effort.”

The measure is a collaborative effort alongside law enforcement, states attorneys, Coalition to End Money Bond, ACLU of Illinois, the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, CAASE, and more.

“The Pretrial Fairness Act supports meaningful inclusion of survivors and their needs in the pretrial process,” said Madeleine Behr, Policy Manager at the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation. “We support the clarifications in HB1095 to ensure the safety of survivors continue to be prioritized.

House Bill 1095 passed the Senate Thursday.

One pager: PretrialPressBrief_FINAL.pdf

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Jacqueline Y. Collins was joined by advocates and co-sponsors to urge the passage of the Pawn Broker Regulation Act on Wednesday.

“Last year I passed the Predatory Loan Prevention Act to cap absurdly high interest rates and protect consumers,” said Senator Collins (D-Chicago). “We must expand the law to cover loans from other servicers so that working people are not taken advantage of and have the opportunity to build lasting economic stability.”

SPRINGFIELD - Senate Democrats joined representatives from the Obama Foundation, the Old State Capitol Foundation, Governor JB Pritzker and community members to celebrate a marker being placed at the Old State Capital in Springfield to commemorate the historic moments in 2007 and 2008 where former President Barack Obama announced his campaign for presidency.

The former president will forever hold significance to the heart of Springfield and its history. Obama served as an Illinois state senator who worked in the state capital before becoming a U.S. Senator. When serving as a U.S Senator, he announced his bid for presidency at the Old State Capitol with his family on Feb. 10, 2007. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a great chapter in American history, for it was the impetus to America gaining its first Black President. The event drew national attention - nearly 17,000 people gathered at the Old State Capital to witness the historic event. While Obama’s political career began in Springfield in 1997, it also served as the place where he would eventually take his career to the national stage.

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to the leadership of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, the state will soon see a bipartisan plan to eliminate pandemic-related unemployment debt and protect benefits for workers.

“In my brief tenure as Senate President, what I’m most proud of is the work we’ve done to restore fiscal stability, said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This agreement is yet another step forward. I applaud everyone involved for coming to the table with workable ideas and the desire to be part of a solution.”

The unemployment trust was forced to borrow $4.5 billion in federal funds to provide economic relief to an unprecedented number of unemployed workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This payment is the third significant contribution to the outstanding loan balance. $2.7 billion was contributed in March, and $450 million in September from the unemployment fund itself due to ongoing historically low unemployment claims.

“This action is just the latest building block in our efforts to improve the financial status of our state,” said State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). “By paying what we owe and continuing to pass responsible budgets, our state’s fiscal status only continues to improve.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect the transgender and nonbinary community from criminal prosecution for seeking out gender-affirming health care, State Senator Mike Simmons initiated a new measure protecting families who seek out gender-affirming health care from criminal and civil prosecution.

“We are witnessing almost weekly attacks around the country on the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ communities including roughly 300 repressive, anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation introduced by state legislatures, and more pointed attacks including the Colorado Springs nightclub shooting last week at Club Q,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It’s time to push back and introduce sweeping protections for LGBTQ+ communities, and especially trans youth who have been subject to mean-spirited and relentless attacks on their rights.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

With much to be grateful for this year, it was important for us to reach out and wish you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.

This day reminds us all to acknowledge the blessings of the past year and to give thanks to the people who have helped us through tough times.

I hope that your home is filled with love and warmth, and that you are able to feel a sense of togetherness. Happy Thanksgiving!

Shop small this holiday season!

We also wanted to remind you this Saturday, Nov. 26 is Small Business Saturday. This annual event was created to encourage consumers to shop at locally-owned establishments during the holidays.

When shopping for gifts or dining out, residents can help our community by patronizing small businesses as much as possible. If money is tight, lend a hand to small business owners by leaving a positive review online, referring a friend, or engaging with your favorite businesses on social media. Don't forget to shop small this holiday season!

Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide

Illinois Made has released the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide. Discover handmade pottery, candles and more for everyone on your list — all while supporting small businesses statewide.

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KANKAKEE – During this holiday season, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to write uplifting notes to veterans as part of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Operations Rising Spirit Campaign.

“It is important for our veterans to know they are honored and appreciated every day,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “The Operation Rising Spirit campaign makes sure that message is relayed.”

Operation Rising Spirit was first launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit with family and friends. The successful campaign encourages veterans and facilitates their connection with the community through positive, uplifting notes sent to veterans’ homes in Anna, LaSalle, Chicago, Manteno and Quincy.

“I encourage community members and organizations to take a moment and write letters to veterans who deserve our support and well wishes,” said Joyce. “This is a small act of kindness that will be very appreciated, especially with the holiday season approaching.”

To participate, notes may be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Letters will be disseminated equally to the five homes:

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 South Spring Street

P.O. Box 19432

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website at https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/services%20benefits/homes/Pages/send-a-note.aspx.