Final week of spring session in Springfield continues to be a crime story

Posted on April 7, 2022
Illinois Capitol
A top state senator – who was carjacked a few months ago – does not want anyone to repeat her experience. (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The back-and-forth over crime continues as the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session dwindles to a close.

Senate Democrats, proposing a bill to waive fines when carjacking victims’ vehicles are photographed by red light or speed cameras, brought out their own victim, Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), who said perpetrators need to make better choices.

“There are so many foundational problems in the home,” Lightford said. “There’s not enough recreational activities. They’re not being challenged, so they sit at home and watch videos, play video games.”

She also described how one of the bandits put a gun to her nose.

Nevertheless, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) sarcastically said the supermajority party is only interested in supporting police and victims because it’s an election year.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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