Illinois Valley Times

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) recently joined Republican colleagues in unveiling a legislative package that targets violent criminals while supporting law enforcement.

"According to CNN, more police officers were intentionally killed last year than we've seen since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Imagine that," Rezin said at a recent press conference. "We're putting forth legislation that will increase penalties for those who commit aggravated battery against our police officers and require them to serve at least 85% of their sentence. These measures are necessary to not only give law enforcement the tools that they need, but also to send a clear message. Go after our police and there will be consequences."

State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Westmont) pointed out that since the passage of last year's criminal justice reform SAFE-T Act, crime has skyrocketed around the state.

"We warned you that this would make crime even worse. Welcome to reality. You can't pass a bill designed to defund, demoralize, and decertify police officers and expect that much good is going to come of that. We can get this right. We can come together to carefully consider the right action we can take that is going to promote second chances for people, but is also going to protect our residents," Mazzochi said.

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) accused the Democratic supermajority of passing the act without taking sufficient input from law enforcement.

"Our law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line to keep us safe, were cut completely out of the process," Bryant said. "The governor and his legislative allies sent a clear signal that the voice of law enforcement (was) not welcome at the table."

After the press conference, the Legislative Black Caucus released a statement that said the SAFE-T Act made the justice system fairer for minorities. 

The caucus also said complaints from Republicans were premature.

“Many provisions of the SAFE-T Act have not even gone into effect yet," the Caucus said, "proving the Republican gambit is all for show.”