J.B. Pritzker said the Corrections Department has consistently, reviewed its population foreligibilityto be grantedup to 180 daysof credit and claimed they have stepped up these efforts during the pandemic. As a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic spread rapidly through Illinois prisons this fall, 73-year-old Watson Gray made another plea to be released from Dixon Correctional Center, where new infections were rising. State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, pointed to states that have right-to-work laws, saying theyre one of the most diabolical ways to limit collective bargaining and limiting bargainingis a losing proposition for all workers, Yednock said. Members of End Illinois Prison Lockdown Coalition rally as they call out Gov. But, between mid-August and mid-October, the cumulative number of inmate infections more than tripled and total staff cases more than doubled. THE BOARD MAINTAINS RECORDS OF THE OUTCOME OF EACH DECISION, CARD FILES CONTAINING THE PAROLE HISTORY OF EACH PAROLEE, AND LEGAL PAPERS PERTINENT TO DECISIONS. He said he continues to bathe using the sink in his cell rather than risk infection by sharing a shower room with others. WebGovernors in at least 11 states have issued executive orders that block new transfers into state prisons, allow early release for some prisoners, or both. Already approved by the state Senate, it will go before voters, appearing on Illinois ballot in 2022. Jan. 13, 2022 WASHINGTON Thousands of federal inmates will become eligible for release this week under a rule the Justice Department published on Thursday In cases of medical Thousands of prison workers have been sickened, including a correctional officer who spent a month on a ventilator fighting COVID-19 in March. Press Release - Tuesday, February 21, 2023 ChicagoGovernor JB Pritzker today announced he will join the Reproductive Freedom Alliance (RFA), a non-partisan group of state Governors focused on working alongside one another to identify best practices for legislative and executive (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune), Lester Mason was released from Pontiac Correctional Center on Nov. 25 after spending 39 years in prison for armed robbery, his third such offense. But a coalition of advocacy groups that sued, brought in about 30 members of the Illinois National Guard, mandatory sentence even if no one was physically, Photos: Northwestern loses to Penn State 68-65 in overtime, Nick Niego is back as Brother Rice stuns St. Rita. Op-ed: The vaccine showdown no one is talking about: An Illinois mandate vs. the state's prison staffs. Eddie Caumiant, regional director of the union that includes state corrections employees, said the pandemic has exacerbated staffing shortages and some staff work multiple 16-hour double shifts a week., Linda Savage, 64, a nurse at Vienna Correctional Center in downstate Vienna, died Nov. 6, 2020, of complications related to COVID-19. In the grievance, Tommy Ryburn, 61, said Bourbon had constant vomiting and diarrhea and was often too weak to get out of bed to take his medication or insulin shots. "It's only fitting that his death in prison, though tragic and unnecessary given the many who loved him, will help to restore dignity and humanity to incarcerated people and their families. ", "With a shift to evidence-based programming and the utilization of early release mechanisms for our most vulnerable population, I am pleased this legislation will further reduce the prison population and recidivism rate," said IDOC Director Rob Jeffreys. Linda Savage, 64, a nurse at Vienna Correctional Center in downstate Vienna, died Nov. 6, 2020, of complications related to COVID-19. Angelo Ciaravino and Richard Zoller both have a way of getting their Mount Carmel teammates and the crowd fired up. State Sen. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago, urged his colleagues on the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday to pass the bill so legislators have vehicles for that potential compromise, but warned that he wouldnt let those negotiations stand in the way of the city getting an elected school board. It brought our whole agency together and made us laser-focused to carry out our objectives as we combat this virus.. More than 1,000 Illinois prisoners to be released under COVID-19 lawsuit settlement, Coronavirus live blog, March 23, 2021: COVID-19 cases ticking back up across Chicago, More Than 1,000 Medically Vulnerable IDOC Inmates to be Released Under Lawsuit Settlement. Andrew Sullender reported from Springfield, Rachel Hinton from Chicago. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS He called his crimes stupid mistakes.. The amendment would also ensure the right to bargain will not be diminished by any future law, proponents said. It changes and expands the compassionate release eligibility criteria; ensures the prisoners have the right to appeal the BOPs denial or neglect of the prisoners request for a compassionate release directly to court; and provides other important features, such as Alan Mills, executive director of Uptown Peoples Law Center, said prison officials have had the tools to identify and release prisoners who are eligible for years. Health officials announced Monday the death of a Stateville Correctional Center inmate from COVID-19, the first confirmed death from the disease at an Illinois state prison. "I am proud that Illinois is leading with compassion and bringing a restorative justice lens to criminal justice policy making. The legislation was named after Joe Coleman, a father, decorated veteran, and active member in his community who had terminal cancer. UPLC is tracking COVID-19 cases in IDOC. The standoff between Chicago police and Mayor Lori Lightfoot over the citys COVID-19 vaccine mandate once again hoisted Chicago onto the national stage, seemingly pitting the individual rights of law enforcement officers against the health of communities theyre charged with protecting. Members of End Illinois Prison Lockdown Coalition rally as they call out Gov. stream The surge has continued, leading to sickness and death that advocates say was avoidable. J.B. Pritzker through executive clemency. McDonald questions whether her son received prompt medical attention. About 1,000 Illinois prison inmates nearing the end of their sentences could soon be released under a settlement announced Tuesday in a federal lawsuit filed as the In total, more than 10,000 inmates and staff have tested positive from the start of the pandemic. This on its face seems like a really nice idea but well be dealing with the negative fallout of an ill thought-out constitutional provision.. She said that while the number of prisoners who will be released was significant, there are thousands more who have a legal mechanism to seek release and should get it. Gray is one of at least 60 incarcerated people who have died since March after becoming infected with the new coronavirus in Illinois custody a death toll that has doubled since November, state data through Dec. 22 shows. Dozens of legal and community advocacy groups signed an open letter Monday urging the Illinois Department of Public Health to prioritize incarcerated individuals and staff working in jails and prisons in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Sheila Bedi, of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, said that releasing some prisoners back to their communities is the best way to protect the health and well-being of people in prison. A spokesperson for Pritzker was not immediately available for comment. The state crime rate actually declined while early release was operating. Similar to what happened in the outside world, the pandemic seemed under control in Illinois prisons most of the summer. gz mThHw The Illinois Department of Corrections will identify medically vulnerable and elderly prisoners eligible for early release or electronic home monitoring. Jeffreys said the outbreak mitigation program is in place at nine prisons, with several more planned. In letters and interviews, men inside the facility describe conditions they say are continuing to drive infections at the Illinois prison hardest hit by coronavirus. Watson Gray, 73, died of complications related to COVID-19 on Nov. 6, 2020, at Dixon Correctional Center. A 13th Stateville inmate died in August. One staff member a 64-year-old nurse near retirement also died. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The issue of early releases is a Catch-22 for Gov. The Senate passed a bill that could allow terminally ill prisoners to be freed more quickly by the Prisoner Review Board. More than 1,000 Illinois prisoners to be released under COVID-19 lawsuit settlement, Civil rights attorneys launch legal challenge to free prisoners at risk of coronavirus, Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center, Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports, US mask mandate for planes, other travel voided by federal judge in Florida, Rising COVID-19 cases prompt warnings for Illinoisans to remain vigilant and remain up to date on vaccine shots, Dr. Ngozi Ezike to become CEO of Sinai Chicago hospital system, With COVID-19 cases rising, Pritzker still searching for public health chief to succeed Ezike, a hero during this pandemic, Lightfoot is out, Vallas and Johnson are in the April runoff, Chicago police officer dies after exchanging gunfire at close range with suspect in Gage Park, Analysis: How Lightfoot went from political rock star to rock bottom, Patrick Kane leaves Chicago with clear legacy: Blackhawks greatest player of all time, Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in a fight she couldnt have won, Northwestern falls to Penn State in OT for third consecutive loss, Bulls nearly blow 21-point lead but survive against Pistons, Defensive whiz Richard Zoller, high-flying Angelo Ciaravino help Mount Carmel take down Hyde Park. "Too many seriously ill people in prisons are getting substandard medical care at exorbitant cost to the state," said State Representative Will Guzzardi (D- Chicago). Roger and Susan Hertzberg before being convicted of marijuana trafficking for hauling nearly 50 pounds of pot through Illinois in 2012. He tested positive for COVID-19 around Labor Day. Chaney, who was granted a sentence commutation by Gov. WebThe First Step Act made important changes to how federal compassionate release works. "What we've accomplished is really working with the state to make sure that they're doing everything they can to utilize the avenues available to them, where it's safe and appropriate to do so, to be releasing folks or to transferring them over to home detention, particularly those who are getting out soon anyway," Antholt, who works for Equip for Equality, said in a phone interview Tuesday. Zach LaVine finished with a game-high 41 points, DeMar DeRozan added 21 and Patrick Beverley had a double-double with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. The advocates accuse the governor of dragging his feet in the face of a pandemic, putting prisoners and staff at greater risk. ", [{"code":"en","title":"Illinois' Virtual Agent","message":"Hello"},{"code":"es","title":"Agente virtual de Illinois","message":"Hola"}]. Chaney, who was granted a sentence commutation by Gov. Bedi, though, said there are reports that a significant number of correctional officers are refusing vaccines, which continues to pose a risk to those in congregate settings. The settlement would accelerate the implementation of the policy by 90 days, she said in a statement. More than 1,000 prisoners in Illinois are set to be released after a lawsuit settlement aimed at protecting medically vulnerable prisoners from COVID-19. ", "Joe Coleman, a decorated Vietnam veteran, died of cancer awaiting clemency on a 1981 case where no one was hurt, without the opportunity to say goodbye to his family from his deathbed," said State Senator John Connor (D-Crest Hill). Heres some of whats on our to-do list. To date, 20% of inmates across the $1.6 billion corrections system have tested positive since March. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 10,800 Illinois prisoners and 4,200 staff members tested positive for COVID-19, according to the department of corrections. The Illinois Department of Corrections will identify medically vulnerable and elderly prisoners eligible for early release or electronic home monitoring. INFORMATION ON WHERE TO OBTAIN DATA ON ILLINOIS INMATES PAROLED FROM THE FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM IS PROVIDED. Gov. People incarcerated in jails and prisons will be prioritized for vaccines along with people who are 65 and older, certain essential workers and people experiencing homelessness or residing in shelters, according to the plan released Dec. 31 by the state health department. In a November interview, she told the Tribune that he used to phone her once a week from Stateville and that, during one call, she noticed he could barely speak. The law took effect January 1, 2022. Every day I thought my son was going to die, said Bronis, of East Dundee. State Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, left, talks with state Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, during a session of the Illinois House of Representatives at the Bank of Springfield Center last year. It remains to be seen if the law does anything. Some say they should be vaccinated with the same urgency as others in congregate settings, such as nursing homes. May 12, 2020: Arkansas state officials announced that 300 inmates had been released from state prisons, and the states Board of Corrections have made over 1,200 inmates eligible for parole since April. But theres no mechanism in Illinois to permit us to do that, said the bills sponsor, state Sen. John Connor, D-Lockport. Lester Mason, 76, at the home of his nephew in East Peoria on Dec. 14, 2020. Even if they matter to no one but us., Stateville Correctional Center personnel pull carts of hand sanitizer and bars of soap on April 24, 2020. (Family photo). "We cannot forget that people who might be incarcerated are still human beings and they are still people deserving basic human dignity and respect," said State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago). She said the Department of Corrections already had a draft policy similar to the one reached in the agreement that was set to be implemented July 1. J.B. Pritzker could help the effort with the stroke of a pen. The Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council estimated that the recidivism rate would cost taxpayers $13 billion over five years if nothing is done to decrease it. This commitment is at the forefront of our A consortium of Chicago civil rights attorneys and community activists who filed the suit initially sought the release of as many as 13,000 at-risk prisoners due to the virus. The rate of deaths slowed tremendously after IDOC started universal testing and voluntary vaccinations of staff and inmates. Roger Hertzberg, 76, died Sept. 24, 2020, at Robinson Correctional Center of COVID-19 complications while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. To stay up-to-date on our work,subscribe to our newsletter. He was scared to death. Lawmakers pass bill on early release of terminally ill prisoners, advance effort to put collective bargaining rights into constitution, State lawmakers address cannabis licensing, Asian American history, free menstrual hygiene products, Fact-check: State senator makes the grade with remark about public support for elected Chicago school board, Sexual assault in schools, life-sustaining medical treatment, marriage license language all addressed in state bills, Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center, Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports. The majority were nonwhite, with 24 listed as Black. "This bill creates policy that honors people's humanity while at the same time prioritizing public safety," said Lt. Terminally ill incarcerated people would only be eligible if they have family able to care for them and are expected to die within 18 months, OConnor said, adding the new measure would be used when being imprisoned doesnt make a difference anymore., But state Sen. Terri Bryant pointed to cases in the states Department of Corrections where physicians said someone would imminently die over and over and over again.. A broken ankle. Watson Gray, 73, died of complications related to COVID-19 on Nov. 6, 2020, at Dixon Correctional Center. A MONTHLY REPORT GIVING COUNSELOR CASELOADS AND TRANSFERS IS PUBLISHED. (WBEZ has agreed to not identify the prisoner by his real name. In emailed responses to Tribune questions, Ryburn said he was not tested after Bourbon died but he did not get sick. RECORDKEEPING PRACTICES DIFFER IN EACH AREA OF ILLINOIS' PAROLE DISTRICTS. 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