SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Democratic lawmakers in Springfield are offering up new ideas that they say take a smarter approach to supporting law enforcement in Illinois.
Senator Rachelle Crowe, of Glen Carbon, said with just days left in the spring session, House and Senate Democrats are introducing a legislative package that aims to recruit and retain police officers and ensure they are fairly compensated.
“It will require that sheriff’s salaries are equal to 80% of the counties state’s attorneys salaries. There are prevalent salary inconsistencies across the state, and we hoping to rectify one of those,” Crowe said.
There are also grants for departments to pay to store data from police body cameras and mental health support for officers.
Rep. Natalie Manley, of Joliet, said the plan also gives grant money to daycares offering overnight care to help officers.
“This is a game-changer. This will open opportunities for parents all over,” Manley said.
The plan is supported by the Illinois Sheriff’s Association and Illinois Trooper’s Lodge 41.
Republicans have said any efforts to help police must begin with repealing last year’s “Safe-T Act.”
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