Dems Praise Gov. Rauner For Signing Measures Aimed At Reducing Prison Population
(CBS) – Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has a plan to cut the number of inmates behind bars in Illinois, and it's being hailed by Democrats as a great thing.
So, how does going easier on crime help fight it?
CBS 2 Political Reporter Derrick Blakley reports.
It's a picture rarely seen, a sound rarely heard in Illinois: Democrats praising the GOP governor.
"Governor, thank you. Thank you. This shows how we can really work in a bi-partisan way to accomplish something that really benefits the constituents of Illinois," Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, said Monday.
Rauner signed a package of bills aimed at reforming the criminal justice system, giving young, low-level offenders a break.
"Our criminal justice system is really not keeping people safe. It is in fact hardening people who make a mistake young and helping them become more criminal," Rauner said.
One law requires more review before imprisoning offenders with no prior convictions. Another allows addicted juveniles to get drug treatment.
Yet another allows expungement of juvenile records before age 18 if an offense is dismissed -- preserving a clean record.
"We have a tremendous number of people who are being impacted by their criminal record, and it really doesn't help anyone if we can't get those people education and employment," Victor Dixon of Safer Foundation said.
After touring a West Side halfway house, Rauner said he doesn't consider this going soft on crime.
"It's not only about punishment. It's also about rehabilitation and re-entry as a productive, positive member of society," he said.
Another new law reduces the sky-high rates for inmates' phone calls. One other law makes it easier for park districts to hire drug offenders.
Rauner wants to reduce the prison population by 25 percent.