Sangamon Sun

Illinois Senate Republicans are urging Governor JB Pritzker to take immediate action to address the drug crisis in state prisons. On November 26, members of the Senate Republican Caucus held a press conference to discuss their concerns and share observations from visits to correctional facilities across Illinois.

Senator Bennett met with the Department of Corrections at the Pontiac Correctional Center within his district to discuss these issues and explore measures to enhance safety for all involved.

Over the past two years, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has faced increasing challenges related to drugs, including contraband entering through mail, staff exposure to hazardous substances, and a rise in overdoses and fatalities across 20 facilities statewide. Lawmakers argue that current efforts have been insufficient in addressing these systemic problems.

To tackle the crisis, lawmakers propose implementing digitized mail as part of a broader strategy against contraband. They acknowledge this measure alone will not eliminate drug demand but emphasize its importance as part of comprehensive reforms necessary for ensuring safety and security in correctional facilities.

In other news, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is advising residents on holiday safety measures during December's Holiday Safety Month. Recommendations include preparing for travel disruptions, safeguarding banking information during shopping, and inspecting home heating systems. The IEMA Winter Weather Preparedness Guide offers additional tips for winterizing homes.

A study by the Tax Foundation ranks Illinois 37th in tax competitiveness among states due to high and complex tax systems. Senator Bennett attributes this ranking to Governor Pritzker's policies, including a recent billion-dollar tax increase funding services for noncitizens.

Ameren Illinois advises using energy-efficient LED lights and smart appliances during holidays to reduce energy consumption while maintaining safety.

As of now, Illinois owes $2.87 billion to state vendors with 19,481 pending vouchers awaiting payment. This figure does not account for estimated debts like unfunded pension liabilities exceeding $139 billion.