East Central Reporter

State Representative Chris Miller has spoken out about public safety concerns in Illinois, particularly focusing on crime in Chicago. Miller criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker’s approach to criminal justice reform and highlighted local residents’ requests for assistance.

"Despite local residents in Chicago pleading for help, Governor Pritzker refuses to except help from President Trump to reduce crime," Miller said.

The discussion centers around the SAFE-T Act, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in 2021. The legislation aimed to improve equity and accountability within Illinois' criminal justice system. Nearly four years after its passage, critics like Miller argue that it has negatively impacted community safety.

"When Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law in 2021, he hailed it as a landmark step toward equity and accountability in Illinois’ criminal justice system. But nearly four years later, the fallout from this sweeping legislation has left communities less safe and criminals are running amok," Miller stated.

The SAFE-T Act eliminated cash bail statewide through the Pretrial Fairness Act. Opponents claim this change allows individuals accused of serious crimes to be released before trial.

"The SAFE-T Act—short for Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today—eliminated cash bail statewide through the Pretrial Fairness Act. The law allows dangerous individuals to walk free before trial, undermining public safety and justice for victims," according to Miller.

In response to these developments, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order instructing federal agencies to withhold funding from jurisdictions that have removed cash bail requirements for certain offenses. The order argues that releasing violent offenders is a misuse of resources and poses risks to public safety. Additionally, Trump announced plans to send National Guard troops to Chicago due to ongoing concerns about crime rates under current state policies.

"In response, President Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order directing federal agencies to withhold funding from jurisdictions that have eliminated cash bail for crimes posing a clear threat to public safety. The order cites the release of violent offenders as a 'waste of public resources and a threat to public safety,' and calls for a return to 'commonsense policies' that prioritize law-abiding Americans. Additionally, President Trump said he is sending National Guard troops to Chicago to clean up the mess Governor Pritzker has created."

Miller was elected as a Republican representative in 2023 for Illinois' 101st House District after succeeding Reggie Phillips (https://ballotpedia.org/Chris_Miller_(Illinois)).