SE Illinois News

As violence continues to be an issue in communities around the state, lawmakers in Springfield are hoping they can address the issue during the current legislative session. 

According to the General Assembly website, state Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) is serving as chairperson of the 19-member Judiciary Criminal Committee that includes seven Republicans.  According to WGEM, he has been tasked with addressing the state’s rise in violence, while also toning down the political vitriol surrounding  the issue. 

“Violence is a complex issue,” Slaughter told WGEM. “And we’re doing the people of Illinois a disservice by thinking it’s just us, our committee, that can solve that issue.”

According to the news outlet, Slaughter spoke before the committee and said Republicans and Democrats have advanced challenging pieces of legislation, but a divide remains. Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton), serving as the GOP spokesperson on the panel, agreed, noting that cooperation requires effort from members of both parties. 

“So, the collaboration – I agree with you 100% – that is a two-way street and we look forward to having the opportunity to collaborate more on bills that are brought up,” Severin said. “You and I both know — everybody in this committee knows that we have philosophical differences on certain items and challenges ... but I figured ... the items that you brought up as far as crime and violence have got to be addressed and they're very, very concerning.”

Republicans, according to the WGEM report, are willing to work with Democrats on the issue, but they want to have input and want to have an opportunity to review any criminal justice bills before they are put to a vote. 

“I look forward to working with you ... and I think collaboration is a great word if we will use it on both sides of the aisle. To take the opportunity to work together, we can get something done, so I appreciate it very much,” Serevin said. 

According to Serevin, finding solutions could take time, and legislation may not offer a magic solution that will make everyone happy. 

“I realize that sometimes just because we legislate something, (it) isn't going to fix the problem and I think we got to realize that (we must) work with all the different players in the community and work towards the answers to these challenges and problems,” he said.

According to WGEM, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) said last week he would like to see the General Assembly address crime with increased investments in the state’s budget. While he called on his colleagues to create new policies to combat crime, he did not offer any details on what should be done. 

Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) told WGEM that the public may want an opportunity to participate on discussions as proposals move through the legislative process. 

Despite political differences, Severin told WGEM that he is hopeful that lawmakers can create a future with less crime and less violence, and he hopes people will have an open mind when it comes to criminal justice reform.