The below statement can be attributed to Khadine Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs, ACLU of Illinois:

Governor Pritzker’s release of principles to address long-term problems in Illinois’ criminal legal system is a welcome contribution to a discussion that brought thousands of Illinoisans out into the streets this summer to demand change. This process must result in a policing system in our state that reduces unnecessary interactions between police and residents and eliminates the corrosive racial bias that has cause so much harm. Our criminal legal system must be reoriented to focus on rehabilitation and return to community, rather than lengthy sentences that do not serve communities or make our state safer. 

We welcome these principles and are ready to work with the Gov. Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Stratton, members of the general assembly, including Senators Sims, Peters and Rep. Slaughter, and other advocates to pass bold legislation that lead to meaningful and sustained change.