State Representative Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City), is expressing disappointment in the lack of information that has been shared about the early release of hundreds of offenders from Illinois prisons. Bennett’s legislative district includes the Pontiac Correctional Center and is also home to several employees of the Danville Correctional Center. Representative Bennett says he is still awaiting further information from IDOC and the governor….
{‘’What bothered me and several of my constituents who contacted my office, was how little information was out there about the conditions of early releases of inmates. While the governor may have executive powers to make unilateral decisions during this time, his administration could be more transparent and more forthcoming (to) every single person in the state of Illinois,’’ said Representative Bennett.}
In a letter sent April 9th, twenty-two Illinois House Republicans asked for more transparency and open communications from the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Pritzker administration on policy changes and communications regarding prison furloughs or inmates released early during the coronavirus pandemic.
Representative Bennett notes there had been a list posted on the Illinois Department of Corrections website two weeks ago listing the names of over 700 inmates who were released early….
{‘’It mysteriously disappeared off the IDOC website, and we have not seen it since. Victims and law enforcement are entitled to this kind of information so that people can be kept safe from harm,’’ said Representative Bennett. ‘’And the same really holds true for communities around the state and the general public. We deserve more from the administration – as lawmakers and as residents. This is about transparency,’’ added Bennett.}
