(The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety met Wednesday to discuss proposed legislation that aims to keep those in the state safe from violent crime.
The meeting comes after three teenagers were shot and killed last weekend in the heart of the city. According to Chicago police statistics, shootings are up 14% in the city over the past four years.
State Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, introduced Senate Bill 2535, which he says would give young people support to stay away from crime.
“We have seen in our communities the lack of resources for young people,” Sims said. “What we are trying to do is create a pathway for those resources to be distributed to communities.”
Sims said his priorities during the spring session will be focused on limiting crime.
“My commitment to investing in public safety is one of my paramount focuses here in the General Assembly,” Sims said.
Republicans questioned the need for the measure and the costs involved.
“I guess I do not understand why this is needed,” said state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro. “Do we not already have that? Is there overlap, or is that we just totally have nothing.”
Sims said he is not currently asking for any taxpayer funds to be given to his legislation but did not shut down the possibility of any future appropriations.
Sims’ measure advanced out of committee and is awaiting further action.
