Will County Gazette

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) has had enough of the violent crime wave sweeping across the state.

“Violent crime just isn't happening somewhere else,” Rezin said at a recent news conference. "Carjackings in Cook County have jumped 300% since 2019, murders are up 57% in Chicago and major crimes in Chicago are already up this year. Yet crime isn't only hitting Cook County and Chicago. We're seeing it in our communities everywhere. It's real for everyone and every walk of life.”

Rezin has joined other Republican lawmakers calling for the repeal of the SAFE-T Act.

“Today we're announcing a package of proposals that first and foremost protect and support our law enforcement in our communities,” Rezin said.

“This legislation would provide a direct infusion of $125 million to law enforcement that would provide funding for body cameras, for police training, for outreach and community policing programs for hiring and rehiring of officers and for mental health treatment for individuals who are incarcerated in our prisons. We can no longer take it easy on those who commit violence against men and women serving to protect us.”

Rezin argues the need for such changes could not be clearer.

“We owe it to these mothers and fathers of the state to provide a safer place for them to raise their kids,” she said. “Our first step in doing that is by supporting our police and enabling them to do their jobs.”

State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Westmont) is also supporting repeal efforts, saying her worst fears have become true since the law was passed.

“We warned you that this would make crime even worse,” she said. “Welcome to reality.”