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the new legislature convened and pick up discussion of the bill rather than all the 11th-hour desperation? Cunningham suggested that the vote probably would have gone the same way.
“It certainly was very unusual for them to really basically
pull an all-nighter,” Sullivan submitted. “That used to happen in the old days, like in the 70s and 80s, but it’s rare that they go to midnight. But there was the constitutional time crunch, so they had to get it done.”
Bill fold
Post-session analysis and commentary came fast and furi- ous, and Catanzara bullseyed much of it. Check out his Friday YouTube Live review to add to what he presented on pages 5-6 of this issue of Lodge 7 Magazine.
The Black Legislative Caucus also released its post-game talking points, to which the state FOP offered rebuttal. Some of the points of view need to be shared here:
The caucus contended the bill focuses on police account- ability, including training, limits on use of force and increased transparency regarding office misconduct.
The FOP responded: Some departments do not have the available staffing or funds for continued training for all offi- cers; there are standards and laws that already exist that allow any person to see reports and decisions on officer misconduct (Freedom of Information Act); and there are already limits on use of force at both the federal and state level.
The caucus claimed the bill reforms the judicial system with a special focus on ensuring that no one – regardless of race – is penalized for being poor. These goals are accomplished by abolishing the cash bail system.
The FOP pointed out that if the cash bail system is abolished, more people will be released out on “I” bonds and promise to return to court. Look at the number of warrants that are issued for offenders not returning to court after being released, includ- ing both “I” bonds and actual cash bonds.
The caucus insists that reforms are meant to increase public
32 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ FEBRUARY 2021