Rauner calls for short-term funding for prison reforms
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner is calling for short-term spending for prison reforms in hopes of reducing the state's prison population over the next decade.
Rauner spoke Thursday at a meeting of the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reforms. The commission was formed last year by Rauner to work on ways to cut the state's prison population by 25 percent over 10 years, and presented its first set of recommendations Thursday.
Some commission members questioned the wisdom of additional financial burdens.
"I think everyone's big concern is, as we do this, some of these things are going to require resources, and resources means money, and I think that's just a point of anxiety," St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly said.
The governor said the state must be willing to spend in the short term for long-term benefits. He said doing so can save money down the road, and that Illinois hasn't "been doing that for years."
"We've always taken the short-run decision, what cuts costs now and not what saves significant resources over a longer term," Rauner said. "We've got to change that mindset."
The commission's recommendations include more discretion for judges to give probation in some low-level felony cases and placing terminally ill or incapacitated prisoners in medical facilities or home confinement. Members also recommend requiring Illinois law enforcement agencies to collect and report detailed information — including demographics — on crimes, arrests and clearances as part of a national reporting system.
Some of the group's recommendations would require legislative approval, while others could be implemented at the administrative level. The commission is making the recommendations with the goal of reducing prison admissions, the length of prison stays and recidivism.
Commission member Rep. Scott Drury, D-Highwood, said the governor and the General Assembly have found common ground and passed measures on juvenile justice and public safety. He said he hopes the commission's recommendations can find a consensus and be brought up for votes, and be treated separately from the ongoing budget impasse.
Rauner said the goal is for the corrections system not to simply house offenders, but rather focus on effective rehabilitation. He thanked the group for its recommendations and encouraged them to keep working.
"This is critically important work," Rauner said. "This is not partisan work. This is good government work, and this is human service work."
The commission is scheduled to meet in February in Chicago.