(The Center Square) – Now that the 104th General Assembly is back to work in Springfield, the minority party is emphasizing public safety and Illinois’ high taxes.
Republicans have expressed frustration over the Democrats’ lack of public safety priorities and nonexistent support for law enforcement.
State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, one of only three active law enforcement officers in the Illinois General Assembly, said Democrats claim they support law enforcement, while their policies tell a different story.
“The Democrats and this multi-billionaire governor have decimated our law enforcement, morale is the lowest that I’ve ever seen, and we can’t get police officers to do the job anymore,” said Cabello.
Cabello highlighted a bill currently being pushed by Democrats that would create a loophole allowing someone who attacks an officer to claim a legal defense if they say they were having a “mental health” episode.
“Excusing bad and violent behavior under the guise of mental health is totally inappropriate,” said Cabello. “This idea puts officers at greater risk, dismisses the seriousness of mental health, and makes law enforcement’s job even tougher.”
Republicans also want to address Illinois’ high taxes. State Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro, R-Hanover Park, said she constantly hears from people in her district about their frustration with Illinois’ broken tax system.
“But instead of addressing it, Democrat lawmakers continually spend their time criticizing the new administrations’ federal trade policies while ignoring the tax burden they created right here in Illinois,” Sanalitro said Tuesday.
The GOP points to Democratic legislative bills that would legalize prostitution and allow judges to reduce sentences for convicted murderers.
“The Democrats’ supermajority needs to stop tripping on magic mushrooms, and yes there is a bill for that, and they need to get down to focusing on what helps Illinois families,” said state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville.
The spring session of the Illinois General Assembly runs through May 31.
