Cunningham legislation designed to ease overcrowding at Cook County Jail approved by Illinois Senate
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Cook County Sheriff Dart testified in favor before the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee
SPRINGFIELD — A plan to help ease overcrowding within the Cook County criminal justice system has been approved by the Illinois Senate following testimony from State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. The proposal will set up a pilot “rocket docket” for low-level, non-violent offenders.
Senate Bill 202 creates a special court for offenders charged with retail theft, criminal trespass, along with other low-level offenses. The pilot program would allow the sheriff to designate participants in the program based on past legal history.
"There is a serious need for rebalancing our criminal justice system in a manner that keeps violent offenders behind bars, while drug abusers and defendants charged with nuisance crimes are shifted into treatment programs that could help turn their lives around," Cunningham said. "I'm proud to work with Sheriff Dart on this legislation because it will save taxpayer dollars and streamline our overburdened court system."
Recent reports have highlighted issues within the Cook County criminal justice system, including inmates housed for long periods of time for minor offenses. Examples include a 30 year old woman in jail for 135 days for stealing candy and fruit.
The bill now goes before the Illinois House for consideration.
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State Senator Bill Cunningham and other area elected officials hosted two in-district outreach events this week.
Cunningham and State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park) hosted a burglary prevention workshop in Evergreen Park on Monday.
Local law enforcement officers and a reformed burglar discussed how people can reduce the chances of burglary and educate voters about how to manage the aftermath of a home invasion.
Cunningham also hosted a senior resource fair Wednesday with Burke, State Rep. Fran Hurley (D-Chicago) and U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Western Springs).
The Oak Lawn senior fair brought state, local and private senior programs together under one roof to give out information and answer questions.
Health organizations also provided medical screenings for participating seniors.
Photo: Hurley, Jerry Mulivill from Congressman Lipinski’s office, Cunningham and Burke at the senior resource fair at the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion on Sept. 17.
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Senator Bill Cunningham, Representative Fran Hurley and Alderman Howard B Brookins Jr hosted a Burglary Prevention Seminar in July at St. Margaret's of Scotland. Marcus, a former burglar, told attendees what he looked for when he robbed a house and Sgt John Lorenz from the 22nd district answered questions from a law enforcement point of view.
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