CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement after reports of four people being shot in the vicinity of Benito Juarez High School in Pilsen Friday afternoon:

“I am saddened to learn of yet another tragic shooting on the Westside.

“This keeps happening, and it’s never okay. We cannot be desensitized by such constant violence, but remain dedicated to creating safer spaces for everyone.

“Gun violence must end. We must reimagine our public safety system. We must keep fighting for a better tomorrow, because we can’t keep losing people this way.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following the misinformation campaign on the Pretrial Fairness Act, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt voted to pass House Bill 1095 out of the Senate. This bill seeks to clarify provisions in the Pretrial Fairness Act, which goes into effect this January.

“My colleagues and I are proud of what we’ve accomplished with the SAFE-T Act, and we wanted to ensure that the purpose of Pretrial Fairness Act is protected,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “There was so much misinformation spread around the elimination of the cash bail system, and we wanted to make sure there is no confusion when the law is implemented in January.”

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GARFIELD PARK – On Halloween night, a tragic drive-by shooting in Garfield Park injured 14 people, including three children, in addition to a woman who was hit by the driver while trying to escape the shooting. In response, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I mourn with my community after yet another senseless shooting. It pains me that on Halloween night, a group of peaceful individuals could not even hold a vigil for their late loved one without fearing for their own safety.

“We cannot continue to live in a state of perpetual fear. It is extremely disheartening and exhausting to see shooting after shooting. We are fighting for the soul of our city. How heartless must you be to shoot a child? To shoot up a vigil?

“I remain committed to ending the gun violence epidemic. I am meeting with local officials to see what support we can provide to the community so that we can reduce the chances of this tragic situation from happening again.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced a $255,000 funding opportunity to support justice-impacted individuals in need of transportation to meet their pre-trial court, probation or parole conditions, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt is encouraging all who are eligible to apply.

“Many people do not have access to reliable transportation, which can affect whether or not they make it to court or a parole meeting on time,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “These grants can help assist individuals who rely on transportation in order to avoid incarceration or other punishments.”

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