Senate Republicans Demand Action on Drug Crisis in Illinois Prisons

SPRINGFIELD – With an influx of illicit drugs flooding Illinois correctional facilities, Senate Republicans are calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to immediately address the crisis.

At a Capitol press conference Nov. 26, State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) joined two Senate Republican colleagues to highlight ongoing concerns and share firsthand accounts from their visits to correctional facilities across Illinois.

Over the past two years, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has faced escalating drug-related issues, including contraband entering through mail, staff exposure to dangerous substances, and an increase in overdoses and fatalities across 20 facilities statewide. Lawmakers argue that the current Administration has failed to implement effective solutions to address these systemic issues.

“An alarming number of Correctional officers and staff working in our prisons throughout the state have been going to emergency rooms with breathing distress. It seems inmates are getting what is called ‘legal mail’ that appears to be coming from an attorney and is privileged going in,” Tracy said. “Often, the pages of the letters have been soaked in a substance like fentanyl, and then coated with some kind of bug spray to cover the scent of the illicit drugs.”

Tracy said employees in the correctional facilities can be affected handling this mail, but most often the correctional officers are exposed whenever the resident inmate will smoke the paper by rolling it up and smoking it like a cigarette to get the fentanyl high.

To combat the crisis, lawmakers are advocating for the implementation of digitized mail as part of a multi-layered strategy to curtail contraband. While acknowledging that this measure alone won’t eliminate the demand for drugs, they emphasize its importance as a crucial step toward broader reforms.

Lawmakers are calling on Gov. Pritzker to prioritize reforms within IDOC and take immediate action to ensure the correctional facilities can operate safely and securely.

Illinois Among Lower-Ranking States in Tax Competitiveness

A recent study by the Tax Foundation highlights Illinois’ challenges with tax competitiveness, ranking the state 37th overall in its State Tax Competitiveness Index.

The annual report evaluates states across five tax categories, noting that states with poor rankings, like Illinois, often share high, complex, and non-neutral tax systems. In contrast, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Alaska rank highest, showcasing simpler, pro-growth tax policies.

Tracy says Illinois’ high taxes are a direct result of actions taken by Gov. Pritzker and his legislative allies. She notes that the Governor recently signed into law a billion-dollar tax increase to fund his programs, which allocate a billion dollars per year for services for noncitizens.

Keep Holidays Bright and Energy Bills Low

With the celebration of Thanksgiving, it’s time to bring on the holiday cheer with festive lights and decorations. Whether it’s classic white lights or colorful displays, this cherished tradition adds warmth and joy—but it can also drive-up energy bills. Fortunately, a few simple tips can help keep spirits high and energy costs low.

Ameren Illinois advises using ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights, which consume 75% less energy than incandescent lights, and considering energy-free decorations like wreaths and garlands. Smart plugs and thermostats can help minimize energy waste by controlling when lights are on and adjusting temperatures.

Additionally, using appliances like air fryers or crockpots instead of the stove can lower energy consumption. Ameren also reminds customers to inspect holiday lights for damage, avoid overloading circuits, and keep decorations away from heat sources to prevent fires. Energy-efficient products also offer safety benefits, as LED lights pose less of a fire risk.

Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Holiday Season

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is recommending residents prioritize safety during the busy holiday season to keep festivities joyful and stress-free. Recognized as Holiday Safety Month, December is an ideal time to prepare for potential challenges that can disrupt holiday plans, such as car trouble, cyber theft, or home heating hazards.

Travelers should equip vehicles with emergency kits, review weather forecasts, and have a communication plan in place. For more information, visit https://gettingaroundillinois.com/.

Shoppers, whether online or in stores, are reminded to safeguard banking information with strong passwords and monitor transactions to avoid scams.

At home, ensuring that heating systems, chimneys, and fireplaces are inspected can prevent fires or carbon monoxide poisoning, while careful use of holiday lights, candles, and space heaters adds an extra layer of safety.

Residents are encouraged to winterize their homes and access additional tips through the IEMA Winter Weather Preparedness Guide and related resources.