Rally in Springfield urges lawmakers to commit to anti-violence legislation

Posted on May 1, 2024
Perhaps a couple hundred orange-shirted demonstrators cheered, chanted, and heard from lawmakers that included State Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A crowd in front of the Lincoln statue at the Illinois Capitol Tuesday urged lawmakers to commit to anti-violence legislation – the “Reimagine Public Safety Act,” which is in danger of being truncated, now that ARPA money has run out.

Perhaps a couple hundred orange-shirted demonstrators cheered, chanted, and heard from lawmakers that included State Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago).

“It is so important to our community,” said Collins. “Black disinvestment is the root cause to the violence that we see in our communities today. We shouldn’t be out here fighting for more funding. It should already be on the books – and on the books permanently!”

Collins said as a mom of three Black boys, she’s worried.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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