Rauner’s public safety plan gains support

[May 14, 2018] 

CHICAGO

Gov. Rauner’s public safety plan, which includes a death penalty provision, an all-gun waiting period, and bans on bump stocks and trigger cranks, is picking up support from leaders across the state. His amendatory veto of HB 1468 lays out a precedent setting package of initiatives aimed at preventing violence and ensuring greater safety and security for children, families, schools and communities. A fact sheet that outlines the full plan is here. Video of the press conference is posted here.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti

“I want to thank Governor Rauner for this thoughtful and balanced anti-gun violence package, which protects our constitutional rights as well as the safety of our residents, particularly our children. I support gun rights, but I also think we could do so much better to protect our people and communities, especially the protection of our children in their schools. The best hope in finding a solution to gun violence is to build a bipartisan agreement. I urge the General Assembly to accept Governor Rauner’s proposal and do the right thing for our officers, communities, and all residents of the state of Illinois.”

Illinois Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady

“I believe that reinstating society’s most serious penalty for the most serious of violent crimes, with the proper safeguards, is an appropriate response to the horrific violence we have witnessed far too often in recent times. The governor’s action today recognizes the need for a multipronged approached to dealing with deadly assaults. As part of that, those who choose to murder innocent victims in mass attacks or kill law enforcement officers should know they face the severest of sentences.”

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin

“As a former prosecutor, I believe the governor's recommended changes strike the right balance to reduce senseless gun violence in Chicago and throughout the state. Allowing a prosecutor the option to seek the death penalty in the most horrific and brutal of crimes should be the law of Illinois and sends a message that we support those who wear the badge.”

Director of Illinois State Police Leo Schmitz

“Illinois State Police has been adding new troopers to its cadet classes which will enhance our ability to further deter violent crimes in the Chicago and St. Louis Metro East areas. The governor’s action today also allows us to continue to support the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) and Chicago Police Department initiatives such as the Chicago Crime Gun Task Force and the Chicago Vehicular Hijacking Task Force.”

Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham

“I and the Fraternal Order of Police are grateful for Gov. Rauner’s support in imposing the death penalty in the murder of police officers. This is an added measure of safety for police officers because criminals will think twice about attacking officers when they know they could face the death penalty. This penalty is also a valuable tool for prosecutors.”

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin

“Over the past several years, prosecutors have supported numerous sentencing reforms for first-time non-violent defendants. Violent offenders are different however. Gov. Rauner’s public safety package acknowledges that with shootings, carjackings and armed robberies on the rise, we must do everything we can to protect the public by holding those who commit these vicious crimes fully accountable. Since Illinois abolished the death penalty in 2011, a number of murderers have not received the punishment they deserved.

"Gov. Rauner’s proposal to enact a death penalty for those convicted of murdering police officers or murdering more than one victim is a recognition that for certain crimes, which are so evil and horrific that they tear at the very fabric of society, the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment.”

Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon

“I appreciate Gov. Bruce Rauner’s careful consideration of the concerns of those on all sides of the many debates that have taken place in recent years on criminal justice reform, guns and gun violence, and public safety…. This proposed law offers protections for the public and ensures that the most violent criminals – the worst of the worst – and career criminals are held accountable…. I was pleased to join Gov. Rauner this morning to support his efforts for common-sense gun legislation and to hold fully accountable mass murderers and cop killers.

Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Nerheim

“There have been many positive steps taken with criminal justice reform since the moratorium was put in place. I wholeheartedly support those reforms. It's time for the law to protect those that protect us.”

State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford)

“This is a comprehensive approach to addressing public safety and I commend the governor for his leadership on this critical issue.”

State Sen. Chuck Weaver (R-Peoria)

“I am proud to have served on the Governor’s bipartisan Public Safety task force that focused on six areas of gun related public safety. Our efforts on the task force are deliberate and measured and deal with the underlying causes of gun violence with special attention to school safety for our children, repeat offenders and attention to those individuals who display violent tendencies as a result of mental health issues. Too often lawmakers react in haste, feeling the need to do something as is the case of the five gun control bills currently at various stages in the Illinois General Assembly. Using his Amendatory Veto powers, the governor wisely narrowed the General Assembly’s over-reaching gun control bills thereby protecting gun owner rights while also protecting us from the actions of bad actors. I applaud the governor’s thoughtful approach.”

State Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego)

“Good common sense legislative solutions are possible when both sides work together and respect each other’s priorities. I believe we’ve accomplished that here today, as addressing public safety shouldn’t be a partisan issue. We must continue to work together utilizing good ideas from both sides of the aisle, to ensure the safety of all communities throughout the state.”

State Rep. Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago)

“I applaud Gov. Rauner on this package, and especially on his proposal for a “no doubt” death penalty for cop killers. My district includes many police officers who work for the City of Chicago. By moving this legislation forward, those officers know we have their backs.”

[OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER]