In this issue:
- Unexpected fallout from end of cash bail
- IDFPR announces plan for new digital licensure process for working professionals
- Small Equipment Grant Program applications now being accepted
- Illinois headlines
Unexpected fallout from end of cash bail
Illinois ended cash bail last year, following the passage and implementation of the SAFE-T Act. Since then, there have been many stories of the negative impacts of this new policy. A northwestern Illinois sheriff recently gave an interview which brought to light a different angle on the kinds of harm that are being caused by the end of cash bail – one which he says is costing lives.
Sheriff John Booker of Whiteside County told a Quad Cities TV station that suspects with substance abuse problems are being released from jail before they can get the life-saving drug treatment they need.
“Possession of methamphetamines, say for instance, that isn’t a detainable offense. So what are we doing for these people that have a serious addition to methamphetamine?” the sheriff asked. He added that they used to get treatment in the jail, but now many are back on the street using the very next day.
“Just send them back out in the street- that isn’t helping anybody,” the sheriff said. “We’re unfortunately in a sad situation. We’re getting a lot of overdoses. People are dying.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 65% of jail inmates have a substance abuse disorder and that 20% were under the influence when they committed their crime.
IDFPR announces plan for new digital licensure process for working professionals
Many thousands of Illinoisans are required by law to hold a professional license in order to legally do their jobs. Recently the state’s licensing process has badly broken down, and many professionals have faced long delays in getting their licenses or their renewals, which puts their livelihoods at risk. The state’s licensing agency, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has been working to fix the broken system. One of these improvements is the launching of a new digital licensure process.
The announcement of this long-awaited system came last week. The agency says the digital system will be user-friendly, have improved communication and a streamlined review of license applications and fees. Applicants will be notified electronically when their applications are received, reviewed, and when licenses are issued. The next steps in the rollout will be announced as that information becomes available, but more information can be found on the agency’s website at idfpr.illinois.gov.
The first professional license applications which had been expected to be available online were for Licensed Social Workers (LSWs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs)
Small Equipment Grant Program applications now being accepted
The office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications from fire departments around the state for the Small Equipment Grant Program. Grants of up to $26,000 are being provided for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. All interested departments should send an application to the Fire Marshal, either electronically or postmarked by October 1.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office will host open “office hours” on the web in the coming weeks to assist departments with their applications.
Please reach out to my office by email at bunting@ilhousegop.org or by phone at (779) 218-3070 if you have any questions or would like a letter of support. We are happy to assist any way that we can!
Find out more here.
Our current bill backlog
When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state’s checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $1,798,809,697. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $1.1 billion in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state’s pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.
Illinois headlines
Estate tax still a pressing topic in Illinois legislature
Job cuts are increasing in Illinois while wage growth is diminishing
Pritzker signs 270 bills impacting AI, digital driver’s licenses, property taxes
Stock show kid diaries: Illinois State Fair edition
USDA releases first crop yield forecast for Illinois in 2024
AAA gives Illinois drivers safety tips as kids go back to school