Sangamon Sun

State Representative Mike Coffey, a Republican elected in 2023 to represent Illinois’ 95th House District, has raised concerns about the impact of recent criminal justice reforms in the state. Coffey criticized the SAFE-T Act and other legislative changes supported by Democrats, arguing that these policies have led to the release of violent offenders and increased risks for Illinois communities.

Coffey pointed to several cases as evidence, including a Chicago woman charged with attacking police officers who was released, a Granite City man awaiting trial for rape who was charged again with sexual assault, a Rockford murder suspect released before trial under the no-cash-bail system, a Peoria Heights man accused of soliciting a child who was freed before trial, and a Dolton shooting suspect out on bond while awaiting trial for murder. He stated these incidents reflect ongoing patterns rather than isolated events.

Coffey has held Public Safety Roundtable meetings with local law enforcement and supports legislation aimed at repealing provisions within the SAFE-T Act. He said Governor Pritzker’s approach has made Illinois less safe: “Governor Pritzker’s soft-on-crime agenda has made Illinois less safe. Until the SAFE-T Act is repealed, violent offenders will continue to walk free while victims and communities are left to suffer the consequences.”

On immigration policy, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie responded to Governor Pritzker’s creation of an Accountability Commission through executive order. She said: “Governor Pritzker’s so-called Accountability Commission is just another taxpayer-funded political stunt. He claims he wants immigration reform, but his own open-border policies and expanded Trust Act tell a different story.

“He talks about truth and accountability, yet under his watch, over 1,200 children have died in DCFS care and thousands more have been injured — where is that accountability?

“At this point, the Governor’s talking points are stale and predictable, the same tiring political theatrics to try and keep his name in the national spotlight. Illinoisans deserve a leader focused on results, not another headline or late-night soundbite.”

In other developments affecting veterans in Illinois, a new facility for U.S. veterans and their spouses opened this week in Quincy. The new $300 million Illinois Veterans Home provides 290 living spaces—including 80 independent living apartments and 210 beds for long-term care—and can accommodate up to 467 residents. The facility accepts honorably discharged veterans from any branch of service. The Quincy location is now the largest among five such homes operated by the state; others are located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, and Manteno.

The construction followed issues at the previous complex during a 2015 Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that revealed inadequacies in veteran housing infrastructure. Seven obsolete buildings were demolished as part of planning and building efforts before residents began moving into the new space.

Property taxes remain another contentious issue across Illinois. According to various metrics cited by lawmakers and analysts, residents pay among the highest property tax rates nationwide—sometimes ranked first or second depending on methodology—with particularly steep increases reported in Cook County’s south and southwest suburbs.

Many affected homeowners live in lower-income areas where economic challenges have led businesses to close or relocate out of state; this trend shifts more tax burden onto remaining residents as schools and local governments seek funding sources. Improper assessments leading to overvalued properties further compound annual increases without significant relief measures being enacted.

Governor JB Pritzker recently acknowledged high property taxes as he seeks reelection but attributed some responsibility to insufficient investment in education—a claim Republicans dispute. They argue that real reform requires broader ideas beyond current Democratic proposals expected during this session's Veto Session.

House Republicans introduced several bills targeting property tax relief:

- HB 2639 would increase General Homestead Exemption Amounts.

- HB 2642 proposes improvements to Property Tax Extension Limitation Law.

- HB 2640 aims to raise low-income senior freezes.

- HB 1495 would create a pilot program for property tax relief.

- HB 2641 suggests school district levy exemptions for seniors.

- HB 1496 intends to limit property assessment increases.

- HB 1321 would require refunds when collections exceed certain thresholds from prior years.

Republicans contend their solutions have not been given serious consideration by Democratic leadership at committee levels or on the House floor.

Coffey replaced former representative Tim Butler when he took office last year representing Springfield-area constituents as part of his legislative duties.