Springfield, IL – House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol today to discuss the dire state of public safety in Illinois and present their pathway forward, which is delivering a state where families can succeed. As the Democratic majority continues to prioritize criminal justice reforms at the expense of public safety, House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis), Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello (Machesney Park), and State Representative Dennis Tipsword (Metamora) spoke about the reality Illinois families face across the state.
Reps. Windhorst, Cabello, and Tipsword all have law enforcement backgrounds and have been integral in creating the legislative package that will restore public safety. Rep. Tipsword is sponsoring HB 1743, which is garnering bipartisan support. The bill establishes a 20-day window to encourage the Department of Human Services to expedite appropriate care needs for mentally and developmentally marginalized incarcerated individuals. Currently, individuals in need of care are waiting an average of 87 days, or nearly three months, and local jails are having to foot the bill.
“We must do everything we can to help people get the treatment they need in an effort to stop the circle of recidivism,” Rep. Tipsword stated. “I was proud to stand next to my colleagues advocating for these important bills that would improve public safety in our communities. House Republicans will continue to fight for laws that protect public safety and help keep criminals behind bars.”
The full public safety legislative package backed by House Republicans can be viewed here: The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: House Republicans Working to Restore Public Safety