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Senator Dale Fowler has called on Governor JB Pritzker to address the drug crisis in Illinois prisons. In a Facebook post dated December 11, Fowler said, "To combat the crisis, lawmakers are advocating for the implementation of digitized mail as part of a multi-layered strategy to curtail contraband."

"With an influx of illicit drugs flooding in to correctional facilities, Illinois Senate Republicans are calling on Governor JB Pritzker to act urgently to address the crisis," said Fowler, State Senator, according to Facebook. "Over the past two years, the Illinois Department of Corrections has faced escalating drug-related issues, including contraband entering through mail, staff exposure to dangerous substances, and a rise in overdoses and fatalities across 20 facilities statewide. To combat the crisis, lawmakers are advocating for the implementation of digitized mail as part of a multi-layered strategy to curtail contraband. While acknowledging that this measure alone won't eliminate the demand for drugs, they emphasize its importance as a crucial step toward broader reforms."

Fowler's remarks follow a recent contract between the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and ICSolutions, signed in October. According to a report from WTTW on December 10, this agreement allows IDOC to scan paper mail and deliver digital copies to inmates. ICSolutions is a telecommunications company that collaborates with prisons across the nation. Under this contract, tablets equipped with hardware and software necessary for secure digital mail delivery will be provided to IDOC.

Screenshot of State Senator Dale Fowler's Dec. 11 Facebook post | State Senator Dale Fowler's Facebook page

WTTW reported that IDOC spokesperson Naomi Puzzello said that IDOC is still determining how the digital mail scanning capability will be utilized. "With the implementation of this initiative, individuals in custody will have enhanced opportunities to communicate with family and friends at a reduced cost on video and telephone calls, while also expanding access to additional digital services, resources and educational tools," Puzzello said. The contract stipulates one tablet per inmate.

In August, an incident occurred where twelve staff members experienced medical reactions to an unknown substance at Menard Correctional Center. According to an August 29 report from WSILTV, one staff member was taken to a hospital by ambulance, while eleven others were transported for medical evaluation. Illinois Poison Control and St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency Hazmat Team assisted in the investigation, leading to a lockdown of the facility.

Senator Fowler represents Illinois' 59th Senate District. Before joining the state senate, he served as mayor of Harrisburg and currently works as a business development officer for People’s National Bank in Harrisburg since retiring from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in 2012. His political experience includes roles as city commissioner and Saline County Board member. He also chairs the Midland Institute’s Saline County CEO program aimed at educating youths about entrepreneurial opportunities.