GOV. RAUNER USES SOCIAL MEDIA TO PUSH REFORM MESSAGE

This week, Gov. Rauner used Facebook live to take his reform message directly to the people, outlining his plan to bring back Illinois through term limits, a property tax freeze, and reforms to grow our economy and increase high-paying jobs in the state. Gov. Rauner encouraged legislative leaders to put forward their preferred budget plan if they are serious about negotiating a budget and reform deal.
Gov. Rauner also continued his push for two bipartisan reforms – term limits and a property tax freeze. Watch Gov. Rauner’s message on term limits here, and his call for a property tax freeze here. https://www.facebook.com/GovRauner/videos/587656981440762/

RAUNER WORKS TO REFORM CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WITH FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

Gov. Rauner has made reforming Illinois’ broken criminal justice system a top priority. This week, in collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Gov. Rauner announced that the Illinois Department of Corrections has trained nearly 13,000 corrections employees on mental health issues in less than a year.
Gov. Rauner stated, “Criminal justice reform has been a top priority of our administration from the very beginning, which is why the progress we’ve seen at the Department of Corrections is so encouraging. Through the hard work and dedication of Department of Corrections staff, we are closer every day to reaching our goal of safely reducing Illinois’ prison population by 25 percent before 2025.”
Gov. Rauner also signed bipartisan legislation ensuring offenders released from prison have a valid state ID upon release, easing the transition back into the labor force. Read more here.

RAUNER CLOSES CLEMENCY BACKLOG DATING BACK TO BLAGOJEVICH

Gov. Rauner this week also announced that his administration has closed a massive backlog of clemency requests, dating back to the Blagojevich administration. The Chicago Sun-Times reported, “Clearing the backlog was one of Rauner’s many priorities in his criminal justice reform platform. He has signed 14 criminal justice bills since he took office and says he wants to focus on rehabilitation and preventing recidivism.”

EFFORTS TO CUT RED TAPE HIGHLIGHTED BY NATIONAL REVIEW

The National Review highlighted Gov. Rauner’s initiative to cut job-killing regulations that stifle small businesses. In October, Gov. Rauner created the Illinois Competitiveness Council and tasked the group to come up with ways to repeal burdensome regulations and red tape by 25% over the next two years. Read more here.

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