MGT LEGISLATION ON BACK BURNER TEMPORARILY

[Dazzler]

Hello members:


For those with their hopes set high that MGT will be reinstated anytime soon this isn't good news.  It's time to wipe away the past rumors, pending legislation, and speculations of the restoral of MGT in 2011.  It's not going to happen.  The past pending legislation wasn't really legislation that would've restored MGT anyway....it was just legislation to toughen up the criteria for those released IF it's ever restored.  It makes little difference whether it was passed or not.  

The ultimate decision lands on Gov. Quinn, who has expressed many times that he's not about to restore MGT any time soon...if ever.  It's a political timebomb that he's unlikely to put himself within arm's reach again.  He likes his job.

So we're going to clean the slate and start again in Square 1.  Forget everything that has happened in the past...

Everyone knows and agrees that the IDOC is crowded...this isn't the first time it's been overcrowded and it hasn't exploded yet.  If the IDOC and Quinn were worried about rioting or anything else explosive they have alternatives to release inmates....regardless of MGT.

Just because nothing was resolved in 2011 it hasn't stopped a handful of activists that are still hoping to move the Governor to restore MGT.  They are preparing to draft legislation that will be introduced in the Spring session...

It's impossible to get it included in the Fall session of the Legislature.  It must wait until Spring and it's going to need backing from the public.  This informal group of activists met recently to discuss the best possible plan of action and this will begin with a public meeting to discuss overcrowding within the IDOC...probably in late November or early December.  We will notify you of the date and particulars when they are decided upon.  Encouraging attempts are being made to sign on legislators to sponsor this new bill.  

Let me remind you that even with successful legislation Quinn still has the ultimate power to approve the restoration of MGT.  

Suggestions are being formulated for the contents of  this bill, including a revision of MGT as it was previously implemented, and the criteria for inmates to receive MGT/SMGT.

There is nothing carved in stone so please don't speculate or ask a thousand questions....there's nothing more to tell you.  

In the meantime the IDOC may possibly solve some of it's own problems by finding creative ways to release inmates earlier than scheduled...if so, we know nothing about it and don't want to hear all the rumors again.  Look what all the rumors have done in the past 20 months?  There've been a thousand posts here about it...and plenty of arguments and bickering over something that everyone hopes will benefit our inmates.

If inmates are released early, for whatever reason, that's something to celebrate.

When MGT was suspended I cautioned everyone here that it would be an uphill battle and that it wasn't likely that MGT would be restored.  I still stand by that....but there's always hope as influential people are working on a solution.  When the time is right they will ask for our help here at IPT and we'll keep you informed how you might help.

Daz

[rottiemama2003]

 

[rottiemama2003]

Could someone send the memo to the co's so they will not spread the nonsenses

[Dazzler]

The IDOC may be working on some other alternatives of early release and there's rumors among the staff but to say MGT is coming back is being very optimistic.

[Tonysgirl]

Their is legislation being discussed right now on ilga.gov... you people told me that these bills were killed and yet they were brought back up today and it still has everything on them from the spring session... 3 bills! Im not trying to get anyones hopes up saying mgt is coming back or anything Im just letting everyone know that its on the website... and my guy has said that their have been many officials at vandalia trying to get some sort of early release program brought back. Just sayin!

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=SB&DocNum=1562&GAID=11&SessionID=84&LegID=57449

[Dazzler]

Yes, today it was assigned to the law committee for the House, previously it was assigned to the Senate law committee....and what is your point?  This bill doesn't restore MGT....it'll sit in this next committee and maybe be heard in the Spring...or never...

[Tonysgirl]

my point is I was made to look like a dumb F#@! on here when I said that these bills had not been killed... everyone was like oh no they were killed and you dont understand how this works when if fact I do... Im not saying that mgt will be brought back at all Im just saying people told me these bills were killed and yet they were not because if they had been killed they would have started back over from the beginning!!!

[Steadfast]

In reading what is actually being voted on this session, I get the impression it is simply the bill that requires that Gov. Quinn receive a monthly report outlining who has received MGT.  Since the MGT program has been suspended, I would think that there is no need for this requirement at this time. 

[Dazzler]

You got that right.  They'll be killed in committee.

[Brit021511]

Hearing Scheduled for Dec 01, 2011


Chairperson   Constance Howard
Vice-Chairperson   Emily McAsey
Republican Spokesperson   Dennis Reboletti
Scheduled Date:   Dec 01, 2011 10:00AM
Location:   C-600, 6th Floor Michael A. Bilandic Building
Chicago, IL
Posting Date:   Oct 26, 2011 5:27PM
Subject Matter:   SUBJECT MATTER: Regarding overcrowding in prisons.
Clerk of the House   Timothy D. Mapes

[TimeStandsStill]

Would you please post the link where this information came from?  Thanks!

[Dazzler]

  This informal group of activists met recently to discuss the best possible plan of action and this will begin with a public meeting to discuss overcrowding within the IDOC...probably in late November or early December.

This is the first step that I outlined in my above post.  The public meeting has been scheduled.

[TimeStandsStill]

This is the place to come for accurate information, that's for sure!

I just wanted a link to verify the date and time in case of any changes of venues, cancellations, reschedules, etc.

I am very close to downtown and would like to attend.

[Dazzler]

If anything changes you'll read it here...

[TimeStandsStill]

OK.  Thanks.  Is anyone else planning on attending?

[Forevermah]

Here is the link for the information on the hearing:

http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/hearing.asp?CommitteeID=896&GA=97

[TimeStandsStill]

Thanks, Mah.  And for anyone who doesn't know, the Michael A. Bilandic Building is at 160 North LaSalle Street.

[jbdec]

I live near the city and would like to attend.  Will the public be welcome?  My son, in Taylorville, should be home sometime in March, 2012.  He has no criminal history and is a non-violent offender. Thanks for all the information on this site!

[TimeStandsStill]

And now there is another meeting scheduled in Springfield
http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/hearing.asp?HearingID=9325&CommitteeID=896

Hearing Scheduled for Nov 08, 2011

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Chairperson  Constance Howard
Vice-Chairperson  Emily McAsey
Republican Spokesperson  Dennis Reboletti
Scheduled Date: Nov 08, 2011 10:00AM
Location: Room C-1 Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
Posting Date: Oct 27, 2011 10:57AM
Subject Matter:  
Clerk of the House  Timothy D. Mapes


That's a good question jbdec.  Can the public attend these committee meetings?
 

[Dazzler]

These meetings are set up for the public to attend....

[Dazzler]

Just to clarify these two meetings...the Nov.8 meeting is a hearing on the three bills that change the wording and criteria for MGT...not restoring it.  The second date, in Dec., is a meeting to discuss the overcrowding in the IDOC.  Either one can be attended by the public.  These are just routine hearings...that's what these committees do when legislation is proposed...or they are contemplating proposing legislation.  Don't get too excited...

[Tonysgirl]

In reading what is actually being voted on this session, I get the impression it is simply the bill that requires that Gov. Quinn receive a monthly report outlining who has received MGT.  Since the MGT program has been suspended, I would think that there is no need for this requirement at this time. 

You got that right.  They'll be killed in committee.

why do you guys have to be so damn negative? I mean the fact that they are talking about it is better than not talking about it right?

[tspot]

why do you guys have to be so damn negative? I mean the fact that they are talking about it is better than not talking about it right?

Not being negative!  REALISTIC!

It's the reality of the situation; the truth of the matter. 

I'm so thankful IPT gives us the forum to be informed (and educated) and grateful for all the support.

[Dazzler]

Tspot is right...there's just been way too much false hope for MGT and I don't want everyone to get all excited over nothing....this is the usual route that SB's and HB's take...the committee will probably kill these bills because no MGT is being planned to return.  The bright spot is that the powers that be know something must be done...but not MGT again...they are all brainstorming for some type of early release program...but don't count on these bills, cause they don't do much of anything, even if they were passed....they'll just make it tougher for our inmates...

[irish45mj]

This debate has been going on since they suspended MGT. The bills have been out there almost as long, and have yet to be passed, and they're only defining a process that can't go into effect until Quinn reinstates MGT.  I don't think speaking of the facts is being negative.  Hope is a beautiful thing, but false hope only sets people up for disappointment.

Imagine what it would feel like for someone who thinks that this legislation actually brings back good time, to see that something passes(if and when it does), only to find out that their LO is still not coming home any sooner.  That's a huge letdown for someone who may be hanging on by a thread.  For them, it's better to hope for the best, but definitely be prepared for the worst.

It sucks, but it is what it is.

[tommiegirl2743]

Thank you for the information about MGT. I have heard so many rumors you don't know what to believe.

[mattsmandy]

I know rumors are not helpful and sometimes they can get hopes up needlessly, but I have been talking with my M and his COs have all been in meetings like crazy these past couple weeks...and they have told him that it is because they are discussing and planning releasing several (100s) of nonviolent, short time offenders in the next few months. I know some people have heard other rumors but I am sure the Cos where he is at would not have told him that if it weren't true, but I am not telling everyone to jump for joy, I just wanted to let this information I have out. He is in Pinckneyville. I would like to know however if anyone else has heard the same....I think it would be a good move on the prison systems part with the possible closing of Logan and the overcrowding issue already. 

[rottiemama2003]

May, I ask why do you think Pinckneyville's Co's will not spend rumors? Half of them live here where I live some was transferred from Menard they are part of IDOC? I am not trying to pick a fight, but think about it how do you think these rumors run thru IDOC the whole state. They never tell them anything, until they get the memo.

[Forevermah]

Mattsmandy  and anyone else that is hearing all these rumors on meetings etc.. PLEASE do not get your hopes or your inmates hopes up that anything is going to happen with MGT anytime soon, because it's not.

These supposed meetings/memos have been going on now for almost 2 years, since MGT/SMGT was canceled.  CO's , Wardens, etc are telling inmates this to pacify them, so they STOP asking all the time. 

I think Dazzler has posted the most recent information, which is the information that all should be telling their inmates, that there is a meeting planned for December 1st in Chicago to discuss Prison Overcrowding and the possibility of new legislation introduced, to set up guidelines for if and when any new early release program is brought back. 

[mattsmandy]

I understand....but my M only asked what all the meetings were about and the head CO told him they have been notified from higher up that this is what is going on...I do not doubt this has been said for years about early release to prisoners to hush them but I do know my M is in good standing with them there and he does not push for info or harrass them about it....I think they really might already have a plan and an order to release certain prisoners. I guess only time will tell...

[rottiemama2003]

Yes, time will tell. It has been a lot of people come here and tell about the things the l/o have been told by CO's and Counselor as well, call some into their office and give them the false hope.

I understand that you want to belief it, I have lived it. It just happen at this spring. My hubby know a lot of the Co's they respect him as well, but he is still an inmate.

You may want to go back in some of the thread and read how many times this was told it was to suppose to be back July 1, 2011 time told that. For almost 2years they been telling that lie to the inmates... people are telling you who has been at this stupidity for YEARS and know things you will never know... Gov. Quinn has not had a pen in his hand to sign anything. He is wanted to close prison and he cares less where they go. And they will not be coming home. So, as it has been pointed out numerous times. NO MGT at this time.. where is my cash register?

[mattsmandy]

Sorry but I wasn't talking about MGT. And I have been through this for years as well...my M was locked up for 10 years prior to this bit...not saying its 100% happening but I do believe that IDOC can andwill implement its own release program very soon.

[TimeStandsStill]

I want to believe that's true, too....I'm sure we all do!  The fact is the last early release program (MGT Push) was a total debacle and I really don't think the IDOC can implement its own release program without approval from our beloved Governor.  It doesn't hurt to hope just don't hold your breath or you will turn blue.....

[TimeStandsStill]

More interesting reading....

The board members then discussed the possible impact of early release initiatives for offenders and the impact
that retiring staff will have on the Department. IDOC administrators are currently discussing possible early
release initiatives with the Office of the Governor. It is also estimated that one thousand employees will retire
during the Fiscal Year 2012. The board members agreed that these two issues could have a significant impact
on the operation of the Department and will need to be closely managed in order to maintain safety and security
while working within budgetary constraints.

http://www.idoc.state.il.us/subsections/AdvisoryBoard/files/Advisory_Board_Meeting_Notices_and_Agenda/20110725%20-%20Advisory%20Board%20Minutes.pdf

[Dazzler]

Like I said a few weeks ago the IDOC is concerned about overcrowding and they are discussing different solutions to the problem...they will be in attendance at the December meeting at the Thompson Center and we're hoping to get many IPT members there to represent inmates.  There will be an opportunity to speak and IPT hopes to present our petition to restore MGT.  If you want to help you should make plans to attend this meeting.  Right now there's no legislation that will help as the sponsor of the senate bill has agreed to withdraw it pending newly drafted legislation to replace it in the Spring session of the Legislature.  The new bill may be ready to be released at that time.

If you haven't signed the petition, please sign it and get all your friends and relatives to sign it too....we've got about a month to gather the remainder of the signatures and get it ready for presentation....

From what I've been told the November scheduled meeting will be canceled since the sponsor has agreed to pull the bill....

[TimeStandsStill]

There are 4 (3 of which concern our LOs) bills assigned to that meeting for tomorrow.  As of right now, it appears it's still happening.

I still plan on attending the one in Chicago on Dec. 1

[Dazzler]

Well I guess we'll see what happens tomorrow...none of those bills restore MGT anyway....I don't know why everyone got so excited over them....

[boobah418]

im confused lol why are these 4 bills on mgt being read in the general assembly if there is no mgt or early release program right now??! like why are they going to talk about them then? what are they trying to do with it?? sorry i have no idea about how the whole house/senate thing works lol

[boobah418]

or the bills have nothing to with mgt? cuz i thought this fall session was about them thinking of ways to save the state money and with all the articles on overcrowding in the idoc thats why maybe i thought some early release program would be coming back?!

[Dazzler]

These bills were drafted earlier in the year or late 2010 in the event MGT was restored by the Governor.  They were introduced by Republicans, after they complained about the MGT program and demanded it be stopped.  The bills were then drawn up to make the criteria for MGT more strict in the event the Governor ever tried to restore it.  They won't bring MGT back...but if it returns in it's original structure these will limit the way it's awarded...it was mainly just the Republicans sticking their nose into it cause they wanted the MGT suspended...it was part of Brady's campaign rhetoric.

[mserer]

Has anyone heard anything on the meeting that was supposed to occur yesterday? Any updates? I realize it won't restore MGT but it still feels like some sort of progress and it seems like a positive thing if they are at least talking about it & keeping it in the headlines - with that said, I haven't heard anything in the news so I'm hoping one of y'all have since you are way more up on these things than I am

[Forevermah]

Has anyone heard anything on the meeting that was supposed to occur yesterday? Any updates? I realize it won't restore MGT but it still feels like some sort of progress and it seems like a positive thing if they are at least talking about it & keeping it in the headlines - with that said, I haven't heard anything in the news so I'm hoping one of y'all have since you are way more up on these things than I am

Those meetings on the bills were all canceled, if you scroll back in this topic the information on this is all there, plus more information on another Meeting that is being held in Chicago on December 1st.

Here is one of the posts talking about things:

http://www.illinoisprisontalk.org/index.php/topic,25069.msg202400.html#msg202400

[mserer]

Thanks for the information - I did read through but saw (or thought I saw) somewhere that they were going to continue with the November 8 meeting.  No biggie, just checking. As to the other thread, I was following that as well and had asked the question about what was the difference between the two.  Are they just starting over with new legislation? Hopefully my question makes sense and maybe you have some ideas on the matter.  Thanks!

[Dazzler]

Yes, our advocacy committee is working to draft new legislation and working with a couple legislators who will introduce the new legislation in the Spring Session.  Like I mentioned up above the old legislation was going to be pulled by the sponsor to make way for new legislation.

[jbdec]

I plan on attending the meeting in Chicago on the December 1st.  Besides listening and praying would you suggest any others action steps, ie: good questions to ask key people, meeting with other like minded spectators before the meeting as a group, a letter that I could prepare and hand deliver to someone, etc.  I am hopefully going to make the meeting later in December in Springfield as well.  Thanks in advance for your replies.   

[TimeStandsStill]

What meeting in Springfield in late December? 

[jbdec]

My mistake.  I mistook it for the Nov. 8th meeting which already took place in Springfield.  Sorry
 

[lbattle40]