By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD- State lawmakers’ attempt to crack down on multiple gun offenders was temporarily stalled after an opponent used a procedural move to keep it in limbo, but it’s now headed to the state Senate for consideration.
If signed into law, the measure would strengthen penalties for someone with multiple gun convictions. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and others in the city have pushed to make sure the offenders, most commonly gang-affiliated, aren’t out of prison in as little as a year and back on the streets causing more violence. It would also make judges explain their reasoning behind more lenient sentences on two-time gun offenders.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Minority Leader and former Cook County prosecutor Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said something has to be done to stem the violence.
“This is a start of trying to do something to stop this plague of violence, which we pick up and read in our newspapers on a daily basis,” Durkin said.
The bill had plenty of support on the House floor Monday.
“I don’t want to be considered weak on crime in my district,” said Luis Arroyo, D-Chicago. “If you get caught with a gun, lock ’em up.”
While most sympathized with victims of gun violence, State Rep. Juliana Stratton, D-Chicago, said putting people in jail doesn’t solve the problem.
“When I think about solutions to gun violence, what I am looking for are solutions that will actually reduce the violence,” she said.
The bill passed with wide bipartisan support, but state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, voted for it and then filed what’s called a motion to reconsider the vote, placing a hold on it.
In a statement, Jones, speaking on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the bill is incomplete.
“We are seeking to work on a holistic solution that includes revenue to impacted communities that will fully fund violence prevention programs, enhance public educational opportunities and job programs while also allowing police officers the tools needed to properly identify gun offenders,” he said.
Jones said gun violence should be declared a public health crisis. On Tuesday, Jones withdrew the motion and allowed the bill to move to the Senate after reassurances from Durkin that they would continue to work on the root causes of gun violence.
Upon passage, Emanuel said in a statement that the bill would hold repeat gun offenders responsible.
“It is an important step to improving public safety in Chicago and Illinois, along with expanding alternatives to incarceration for first-time non-violent offenders, investing in economic development and strengthening social services,” Emanuel said.
