Rauner Forms Panel To Recommend Overhaul Of Criminal Justice System
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Saying he wants the state to do more to keep people out of prison, Gov. Bruce Rauner has formed a commission to study possible changes to the state's criminal justice system.
The governor signed an executive order compelling the panel to look into ways to reduce the state's prison population, and present its proposals to him by July 1.
Rauner acknowledged many advocates and agencies already have conducted studies on the state's criminal justice system, and recommended ways to overhaul courts and prisons, but he said he wants a more focused approach.
"There's always data flowing around. We need it focused; we need it concentrated; we need to make sure every interest group is reflected at the table; that the right experts are brought into bear, and this is done on a coordinated and managed basis, not on a disorganized basis," Rauner said. "This will be done right, it will be comprehensive, and it will be done on a prompt timeframe."
The state's prisons are overcrowded, with 48,000 inmates in a system designed for 32,000, and Rauner said too many ex-cons end up back behind bars after they've been released from prison.
"In the Illinois Constitution, sentencing is supposed to have two goals. Number one, make sure the punishment fits the crime, and number two, help offenders become responsible citizens. Too often that second goal gets overlooked," he said.
The commission has been tasked with examining sentencing practices, the use of alternatives to prison,
Rauner said a number of lawmakers already have agreed to participate.
State Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Chicago) and other lawmakers already were planning to debate proposed changes to the criminal justice system during the spring session of the General Assembly, and hoping to pass some of those measures before the summer.
Zalewski said Rauner's decision to form a new panel to recommend its own ways to overhaul courts and prisons won't change lawmakers' plans.
"I don't think there's anything the governor proposed today that would prevent us from passing a good, solid reform package this spring, or sooner than later," he said.
Regardless of what lawmakers and Rauner do this year, Zalewski said it will take several years to pass all the changes needed to truly improve the states' justice system.
"I welcome the governor's involvement in this. I think it's important for a new administration to take such a thorough look at criminal justice reform, and the more smart people we have looking at this, the better," he said.
Zalewski sits on the House Criminal Judiciary Committee, which met Wednesday to discuss proposed justice system overhauls.