County commissioner wants Rauner to declare state of emergency in violent neighborhoods

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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - There are new calls for Governor Bruce Rauner to declare a state of emergency in Chicago's most violent neighborhoods.

With shootings and murders at a 16-year high,  at least one elected leader is saying it's time for the Governor to call in other services to come in and help Chicago's communities. 

According to recent statistics, 51 people were murdered across the city in January alone, and another 292 people were shot. 

Cook County Board Commissioner Richard Boykin is leading the charge. He wants Homeland Security dollars to go to special law enforcement units to help with gang and tactical units.

Additionally, he wants the Deptartment of Housing, Human Services, and Education to come in and help these communities in need. 

He says he will hand deliver his request to the Governor's office Thursday morning. Stay tuned for updates on this story.