Illinois Valley Times

Veteran Illinois state Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) has been honored with the 2019 Legislative Champion Award presented by Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC).

The award is given to lawmakers who have supported initiatives aimed at advancing opportunities for substance use disorder treatment, recovery and community engagement, particularly those who have criminal backgrounds.

“As lawmakers, we should always be pursuing data-driven and evidenced-based policy solutions to the problems facing our constituents, particularly the most vulnerable,” Demmer said in a press release upon receiving the award. “That’s why I’m honored to receive this award from TASC. Their work reduces the incidence of crime and substance abuse, while lowering the total cost of incarceration.”

Demmer was presented his award by TASC President Pam Rodriguez, who pointed to his leadership in preserving a state statute that paves the way for eligible individuals with non-violent offenses to go through community-based treatment and case management under probation supervision as an alternative to incarceration. Rodriguez said the depths of Demmer’s impact cannot be overstated.

“Without it, thousands of people who come through the courts each year would not have this pathway to treatment, and judges would be without a critical sentencing option for people who come before them with substance use disorders,” Rodriguez said. “We are grateful for Rep. Demmer’s attention to both the letter and the spirit of the law.”

Demmer is one of four state lawmakers to receive the award in its inaugural year, joining Rep. Maurice C. Evans Jr. (D-Chicago) and Sens. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

“I will continue to work in a bipartisan way on these issues so we can improve health outcomes and public safety for the people of Illinois,” Demmer said.

Demmer is now in his sixth year in Springfield. His 90th District includes all or parts of Dixon, Rochelle, Oregon, Stillman Valley, Davis Junction, DeKalb, Sandwich, Shabbona, Somnnauk, Earlville and Mendota.