Rep. Ford Passes Resolution Calling on Rauner to Combat Increase in Violent Crime
SPRINGFIELD, IL – In response to the number of gun violence victims in Chicago last year skyrocketing to over 4,000, state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, sponsored a resolution urging the Governor to declare a state of emergency in areas where violent crime is a serious problem. Ford is also urging the deployment of agency resources to combat violent crime.
“The sad fact is that in 2016, Chicago had more murders than any city in the nation,” said Ford. “We have to address the elephant in the room and understand that the violence in our city is getting to the point where we cannot use Band-Aid fixes, and instead we must address the issues that are below the surface.”
Ford sponsored House Resolution 18, a measure urging Gov. Rauner to declare a state of emergency in areas most impacted by violence. In declaring a state of emergency, Rauner would call on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to respond and implement emergency plans to solve root causes of issues in high violence areas.
“Our leadership loves to speak on the violence that occurs on a daily basis in our state’s marquee city, but they seldom come with real solutions or help,” said Ford. “With the House passing this needed resolution, we are collectively saying that we are not afraid to do what is necessary to save our children from senseless violence. I hope that Governor Rauner sees this resolution and decides to finally take action instead of watching from the sidelines.”
House Resolution 18 was adopted by the House on February 9, and will be presented to the governor for action.
Ford represents the 8th Representative District, which includes parts of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood and portions of Berwyn, Brookfield, Forest Park, La Grange, North Riverside and Oak Park. For more information call 773-378-5902, 708-445-3673 or visit www.LaShawnFord.com
