Moderate Democrats Propose Police Focused Crime Bills
Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) and a group of moderate Democrats roll out a group of pro-police legislative measures Monday.
A group of mostly moderate Democratic lawmakers Monday unveiled a package of bills they hope will counteract public backlash to rising crime and a criminal justice reform bill passed last year dubbed by opponents as “anti-police.”
Most of the Democrats standing up to propose the legislation Monday were either those who live in close districts, like Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) or Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon). Some, like Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago) are facing primary challenges in a district with a heavy presence of first responders.
The package of bills included a pension sweetener to keep police officers from retiring when they hit age 55 at a time that police forces are experience an exodus of officers. The group also plans to increase funding for officer mental health programs.
“We have to look at comprehensive ways to support law enforcement and to make sure that we can really bust through those barriers that have prevented first responders from accessing the desperately needed mental health support that they need,” said LaPointe during the statehouse news conference.
Republicans were critical of the Democratic plans.
“Democrats in Illinois have repeatedly attacked our police and justice system,” said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs). “Today, they are trying to rewrite history. Until they wake up and repeal their pro-criminal SAFE-T Act, there will be no safe communities in Illinois.”
A more progressive group of lawmakers last week proposed more money for a witness protection program and youth programs.
Pro-police groups spoke in support of the moderate Democrat proposal Monday. Some progressives criticized the group that included no African American lawmakers.
The bills are HB1568, HB1571, HB1321, HB3863, HB3893, HB4228, HB4364, and HB4608.