Spotlight Announcement

9/20/2005: Illinois Launches New Reentry Commission

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced last week the formation of a new Community Safety and Reentry Commission to address recidivism and strengthen reentry management is that state. The 28 member commission, to be chaired by the Reverend Jesse Jackson and an Illinois State's Attorney, will focus on increasing opportunities for successful reentry, removing reentry barriers, and developing cost effective crime prevention and community safety strategies.

"More than half of the prison inmates in this state end up right back in prison," Governor Blagojevich said, "and this year alone, more than 40,000 prisoners will be released from prison. We need and aggressive and comprehensive strategy to make sure fewer of them find their way back to prison."

The commission's diverse and bi-partisan membership comprises legislators and leaders from the community, faith, business, and education fields. Its functions will include recommending systemic changes and outlining statewide priorities, as well as promoting community awareness and championing reforms throughout the state. According to State Senator and Commission member Jacqueline Collins, it is "important that everyone from state and local officials to the general public work together to ensure that our communities remain safe and that we assist these individuals in their reintegration, hopefully reducing the cycle of crime and recidivism."

The creation of this commission follows the formation of a Reentry Working Group in 2004. In forming this commission, Illinois joins an emerging trend of state-centered reentry initiatives. Several states, including Ohio and Michigan, have introduced reentry initiatives in recent years, and many more have instituted specific reentry programs through their Department of Corrections or other state agencies.

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