Sept. 18 marks Illinois’ first anniversary of being the first state to end cash bail. The predicted disaster was averted. Cook County saw significant improvements. Still, changes to the SAFE-T Act could improve public safety, remain fair to defendants.
Proponents of the SAFE-T Act see it as an end to discrimination in a system that favors the wealthy. Opponents see it as depriving law enforcement of the tools they need to keep streets safe. Both are right. Four legislative actions could fix that.
The Illinois Supreme Court stayed a provision of the SAFE-T Act set to take effect Jan. 1 that would have eliminated cash bail statewide after a county judge ruled it would violate the state constitution. The high court said it planned an “expedited” review.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the fourth trailer amendment to the SAFE-T Act Dec. 6. Experts predict the changes will not stop a constitutional challenge from 62 state’s attorneys.
Lawmakers are set to consider an amendment to the controversial criminal justice reform law set to take effect on Jan. 1. Here are three things Illinoisans should know about the proposed changes.
Illinois’ new union amendment allows government unions to negotiate over virtually anything and override state law through their union contracts. That includes laws aimed at reforming police procedures.
Illinois’ tax code stands in the way of the state’s economic competitiveness. The combination of high tax burdens and a poor tax structure contributes to the loss of jobs and investment to other states. From a place of former economic dominance, Illinois now ranks 45th in gross state product (GSP) growth over the past decade...