Kane County Reporter

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Lake Barrington) is criticizing Illinois Democrats for failing to enact meaningful anti-crime legislation during this legislative session, which is coming to an end.

"Democrats promised a sweeping anti-crime package this session, but there's been little said and even less done to produce that package. We have 12 days left in the spring legislative session, the General Assembly must address rising crime to keep Illinois communities safe," McLaughlin posted on Facebook.

In January, House Republicans filed legislation that would repeal the SAFE-T Act that was passed last January, WGEM reported. However, majority Democrats are unwilling to repeal the legislation and have accused GOP lawmakers of using "scare tactics" when discussing crime.

Among other measures, the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act eliminates cash bail by 2023, allows certain people accused of felonies to not have to be detained before trial, and imposes restrictions on Illinois police officers. Law enforcement groups and police unions stated that the SAFE-T Act poses a threat to public safety, according to Injustice Watch.

SafeWise's annual 2022 State of Safety survey found that only 42% of Illinois residents report feeling safe, while 64% reported feeling "high daily concern" for their safety. 13% of respondents reported experiencing gun violence firsthand, an increase from 8% the previous year. Mass shooting incidents in Illinois increased by 25% from 2020 to 2021.