Durbin reintroduces drug offender legislation

Posted on February 12, 2015

(WJBC file photo)

By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – Moving away from mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders is the goal of federal legislation being reintroduced by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

Durbin is giving his “Smarter Sentencing Act” another try, and while the makeup of Congress has shifted towards Republicans, Durbin notes some of his usual opponents are partners with him on this legislation.

“Let me just start off with a challenge to the press and everyone in attendance: try to find a more diverse political group gathered in one place in the history of the United States Congress,” Durbin said at a news conference today (Thursday) in Washington.

Among the co-sponsors of the legislation are conservatives like U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Mike Lee (R-Utah).

The bill allows judges greater discretion on sentencing certain non-violent drug offenders, instead of having to adhere to minimum requirements. Durbin says when those policies were passed decades ago, lawmakers were afraid of being seen as “soft on crime.” The result, according to Durbin, has a sharp increase in the federal prison population.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…