I.
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RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The scourge of gun violence has contributed to immeasurable loss and suffering in our City and across the Nation, as demonstrated most recently by the 443 Chicagoans murdered with firearms in 2012, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Ct., and the Center for Disease Control estimate that 20,000 people annually commit suicide with a gun; and
WHEREAS, We have a duty as citizens, officials, and compassionate persons to speak out against the senseless destruction caused by guns, which destroy families, cripple promising lives, devastate communities, and endanger our Nation's collective health; and
WHEREAS, In light of these challenges and obligations, crimes committed with a firearm are especially heinous and troubling, even if the offender does not cause "great bodily harm" per the language of 730 ILCS 5/3-6-3; and
WHEREAS, National recidivism rates are appallingly high among those convicted of weapons-related crimes - over 70%, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics - a number that reflects state reports indicating that those arrested on gun charges are more likely than others to commit repeat offenses after serving their sentences, and in doing so inject further anguish into their communities; and
WHEREAS, Every death of a mother, son, daughter, father, or friend and loved one from a bullet is unacceptable, and a cause for great sadness in our City, especially when the perpetrator was released early from prison before serving a full sentence for a prior offense; and
WHEREAS, Studies published at Florida State University and by the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission, among others, indicate that "truth in sentencing reforms" lead to lower rates of recidivism, therefore demonstrating that minimum sentencing requirements are effective in keeping dangerous criminals in prison and off the streets of our cities; and
WHEREAS, Illinois should strengthen its sentencing laws so that people who commit crimes with firearms face tougher sentencing requirements; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, do hereby urge the Illinois General Assembly to take action, in the interest of public safety, by passing legislation that strengthens our sentencing laws for those crimes committed with a firearm, requiring that 85 percent of each sentence be served regardless of the "bodily harm" inflicted; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor ofthe State of Illinois, the President ofthe Illinois Senate, the Minority Leader ofthe Illinois Senate, the Speaker ofthe Illinois House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader ofthe Illinois House of Representatives as a testament to the urgency of the issue and our shared commitment to protect the People of Illinois.
James Balcer Alderman, 11th Ward