CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement after reports of people being turned away at a Chicago Police Department registry office:

“I am disappointed and appalled to hear that those complying with the law are not being properly supported. Those who have served time for their criminal convictions deserve to assimilate into the community, and register themselves without increasing the risk of arrest and additional time served.”

“No one should be standing in line for extended hours, taking time away from work, their family, and daily tasks while trying to do so.”

“I’ve reached out to the Chicago Police Department and will monitor the situation.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement after reports of four people being shot in the vicinity of Benito Juarez High School in Pilsen Friday afternoon:

“I am saddened to learn of yet another tragic shooting on the Westside.

“This keeps happening, and it’s never okay. We cannot be desensitized by such constant violence, but remain dedicated to creating safer spaces for everyone.

“Gun violence must end. We must reimagine our public safety system. We must keep fighting for a better tomorrow, because we can’t keep losing people this way.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following the misinformation campaign on the Pretrial Fairness Act, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt voted to pass House Bill 1095 out of the Senate. This bill seeks to clarify provisions in the Pretrial Fairness Act, which goes into effect this January.

“My colleagues and I are proud of what we’ve accomplished with the SAFE-T Act, and we wanted to ensure that the purpose of Pretrial Fairness Act is protected,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “There was so much misinformation spread around the elimination of the cash bail system, and we wanted to make sure there is no confusion when the law is implemented in January.”

Read more ...

GARFIELD PARK – On Halloween night, a tragic drive-by shooting in Garfield Park injured 14 people, including three children, in addition to a woman who was hit by the driver while trying to escape the shooting. In response, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I mourn with my community after yet another senseless shooting. It pains me that on Halloween night, a group of peaceful individuals could not even hold a vigil for their late loved one without fearing for their own safety.

“We cannot continue to live in a state of perpetual fear. It is extremely disheartening and exhausting to see shooting after shooting. We are fighting for the soul of our city. How heartless must you be to shoot a child? To shoot up a vigil?

“I remain committed to ending the gun violence epidemic. I am meeting with local officials to see what support we can provide to the community so that we can reduce the chances of this tragic situation from happening again.”