Quincy Reporter

Senate Republicans in Illinois are urging Governor JB Pritzker to take immediate action to address the growing drug crisis in the state's correctional facilities. At a press conference held on November 26, State Senator Jil Tracy and her Republican colleagues shared concerns and firsthand accounts from visits to prisons across Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has been dealing with increasing drug-related issues over the past two years, including contraband entering through mail, staff exposure to dangerous substances, and a rise in overdoses and fatalities at 20 facilities statewide. Lawmakers argue that the current administration has not implemented effective solutions to these systemic problems.

"An alarming number of Correctional officers and staff working in our prisons throughout the state have been going to emergency rooms with breathing distress," said Tracy. "It seems inmates are getting what is called ‘legal mail’ that appears to be coming from an attorney and is privileged going in."

Tracy explained that pages of these letters have been soaked in substances like fentanyl and coated with bug spray to mask the scent of drugs. Employees handling this mail can be affected, but correctional officers are most often exposed when inmates smoke the paper for a high.

To address this issue, lawmakers propose digitizing mail as part of a strategy to reduce contraband. They emphasize that while this measure alone won't eliminate drug demand, it is crucial for broader reforms. Lawmakers call on Governor Pritzker to prioritize IDOC reforms and ensure safe operations within correctional facilities.

In other news, a study by the Tax Foundation ranks Illinois 37th in tax competitiveness due to high taxes resulting from policies enacted by Governor Pritzker and his allies. These include a billion-dollar tax increase funding services for noncitizens.

As holiday celebrations begin, Ameren Illinois offers tips for reducing energy costs while decorating homes with festive lights. The company recommends using ENERGY STAR certified LED lights, which use significantly less energy than incandescent lights. Other suggestions include using smart plugs and thermostats, inspecting holiday lights for damage, avoiding circuit overloads, and keeping decorations away from heat sources.

Finally, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) encourages residents to prioritize safety during Holiday Safety Month by preparing for potential challenges such as car trouble or cyber theft. Recommendations include equipping vehicles with emergency kits, securing banking information when shopping online or in stores, inspecting heating systems at home, and winterizing residences.