MGT New Legislation - Your Help Is Needed!!

[Skully]

In the case of Cali didnt the courts go above the Gov on the same issues our prisons are facing?

[lovinhim11]

Yes I believe your right. I would like to see the newspaper that it was in so we could research it and read it for our self.

[Forevermah]

If you go to Google and do a search for early release Illinois prisons, you will find MANY articles talking about the legislators and these new bills, it's all the same.  If they approve the bills in the house and senate, Quinn would still have to sign them into law.  We posted many of these new stories here on IPT just recently.

Here is the link to our topic here on IPT, it's this same board:

http://www.illinoisprisontalk.org/index.php/topic,26304.msg207354.html#msg207354

Skully, the supreme court ordered California to clean up it's prison system, to release many inmates, I don't think any have been released yet and if it went that far, all your guys would probably be out and off parole before anything was done!

[Steadfast]

The rumors are flying at my L/O's prison that MGT is being reinstated because of the newspaper article that was recently printed talking about the report from AP on prison overcrowding.  It can be found on this site under Prison News, I believe.  The inmates are confused because several people are quoted as saying that Early Release Programs should be reinstated.  Everyone must understand that this is just a suggestion from the John Howard Association and other individuals.  So far, we have not learned of any new legislation being passed regarding this subject.  And, as stated before, Quinn would still need to sign it before it was approved.  I told my L/O to tell his friends that, even if it were approved, it would take about six months to a year before it would be implemented. 

[Forevermah]

Quinn could sign something back in TODAY if he wanted.

Our member Bill has suggested that you all continue to call your legislators and  Gov and let him know your feelings.  The new bills are only a start, they will not bring any program back until Quinn is ready and no one knows if he will ever be ready!

These discussions have been going on for two years now here on IPT, these rumors are nothing new and yes, they are a fueled by the recent report/suggestions by John Howard Association.

[Chrissie123]

I look at the IPT site each and every day to see how many are trying to help bring back MGT by contacting their state reps and Governor Quinn.  It may be that some are just not listing that they have called the appropriate people, but I continue to make contacts each week and think that others should continue to do the same.  It seems to me that many more people need to start making calls or writing letters.  I wanted to share with everyone the email I sent to Quinn today and ask that everyone continue to do whatever they can to notify officials to act on MGT.  Here is the email I sent the governor:

Dear Governor Quinn:

As you know, the future of MGT is in your hands.  I am asking for you to reinstate the early release program immediately.  The lives of many families are in your hands.  I am asking for your support in reinstating a program that would grant up to 180 days of early release to eligible inmates.   The re-introduction of good time credits will cut down on the over-crowding immensely, in turn helping the economy of Illinois.   A reduction of inmates has a two-fold benefit.  It 1) reduces inmate population, and makes the prisons safer for inmates and guards, and 2) enables taxpayer dollars to be spent on things other than prisons, which would help to enrich the state, and encourage economic growth.  Not to mention that every inmate released becomes a taxpayer instead of a tax burden.   

As stated in previously printed articles:  “Until MGT is reinstated, no one will notice the modest reductions in prison populations that may eventually be achieved through the slow process of revising the sentencing code, improving court processes and maintaining re-entry programs and community services in a recession.”

”Reinstating MGT good conduct credits is a simple, necessary and technically relatively easy first step, one that might get Illinois back into the party and in better standing in 2011.”

Governor Quinn, now is the time to act.  With so much publication in the news these days, you could make the change that Illinois needs by reinstating MGT.  Reinstating MGT is a simple, necessary step that you can make.  Take that step and support those who believe in getting it reinstated.  There are many people that feel bringing an early release program back into the system is what Illinois needs right now.  You, our Governor, can make it happen.  I ask for your support. 

[jaf]

I read somewhere on IPT that you had sent out an email to all the members about MGT a while back, and I wonder it would be helpful to do it again since there is a new Bill in committee, and the chances are even higher that it could pass? 
Perhaps YOUR state rep is waiting to hear from YOU about it? ? He or she might be looking for a reason to voe for it!  I think they all HAVE TO know it needs to be done, but are probably a bit gun-shy still about it.  HB3899 is a very reasonable plan and should help eliminate improper use of MGT, so we need to be there giving them a reason! 

 also, here is the response I received from my state rep:

I appreciate you contacting my office regarding this matter.  Thank you for bringing this legislation to my attention and I will look into it further.
I do agree that prison overcrowding is becoming a serious problem that is endangering many individuals.  It is important, however, that we address this problem in a well throughout out manner.  Rash decisions on public safety can have serious and costly repercussions.

Thank you for contacting my office and please do not hesitate to do so in future.

Best,

Rep. Norine Hammond

[Chrissie123]

I received a response from Governor Quinn today.  It was from a previous letter I had sent him.  Here is his response:

Thank you for contacting my office with your concerns about Meritorious Good Time in Illinois.  I value your feedback and appreciate the insight you have shared with me.  Each day, as I make decisions, I take your opinion and those of others who write and call my office into careful consideration.

As Governor, it is always helpful to hear from residents about the issues concerning our state.  Throughout my time in office, I have admired people like you who take time to provide ideas, ask questions and offer constructive criticisms.  With your continued participation in our democracy, we can make the will of the people the law of the land.

Thank you again for expressing your interest in reinstating Meritorious Good Time.  Please feel free to contact me in the future.  My office phone numbers are (217) 782-0244 and (312) 814-2121.

Sincerely,
Pat Quinn

Since he has found it helpful to hear from residents about the issues concerning our state, I think others should continue to contact him regarding reinstating MGT.  The more people that contact him, the more it may become a priority of his.

[tabbylover]

Chrissy,

I copy pasted your letter to Governor Quinn.  I sure hope it helps.

tabbyluvr

[TimeStandsStill]

I just sent an e-mail to my State Rep. Michael Zalewski.  I also asked if he would consider co-sponsoring.

[Bill]

I just sent an e-mail to my State Rep. Michael Zalewski.  I also asked if he would consider co-sponsoring.

The IPTers who are calling and emailing continueto do so. There is another group active in encouraging governor to reinstate MGT. More about this a bit later.  Keep the pressure going on Governor.

[Bill]

I received a response from Governor Quinn today.  It was from a previous letter I had sent him.  Here is his response:

Thank you for contacting my office with your concerns about Meritorious Good Time in Illinois.  I value your feedback and appreciate the insight you have shared with me.  Each day, as I make decisions, I take your opinion and those of others who write and call my office into careful consideration.

As Governor, it is always helpful to hear from residents about the issues concerning our state.  Throughout my time in office, I have admired people like you who take time to provide ideas, ask questions and offer constructive criticisms.  With your continued participation in our democracy, we can make the will of the people the law of the land.

Thank you again for expressing your interest in reinstating Meritorious Good Time.  Please feel free to contact me in the future.  My office phone numbers are (217) 782-0244 and (312) 814-2121.

Sincerely,
Pat Quinn

Since he has found it helpful to hear from residents about the issues concerning our state, I think others should continue to contact him regarding reinstating MGT.  The more people that contact him, the more it may become a priority of his.

I think you should respond to this email and thank the Governor for his comments but you were asking about MGT and he never mentioned it. So ask directly is the Governor going to reinstate MGT and see what answer is. The Governor never saw your email and this is a standardized response to ANY queston. Dont allow the Governor to get away with this. The is PR b...........

[reallove16]

Thank you BIll for pointing out that this was an automated response becasue the minute i read it i could tell where everything was "insert text here" in the message. Makes me sick but we will continue to put the pressure on!

[hinkleboys]

I received an email this morning from Roger Eddy, my state representative, stating that he supported the reinstatement of MGT.  Here it is;

Thanks for the e-mail...I do support the reinstatement of MGT, it is the right thing to do.

Roger

[Bill]

I received an email this morning from Roger Eddy, my state representative, stating that he supported the reinstatement of MGT.  Here it is;

Thanks for the e-mail...I do support the reinstatement of MGT, it is the right thing to do.

Roger

This is great. could you ask if reo eddy would contact Governor Quinn and tell the Governor eddy support reinstatement of MGT

[waitingagain]

I have also sent the same message to the Governor, but also asked if he would be reinstating MGT. I will post when I hear something back.

[LSlater0227]

I sent an email to the Governor. I know I saw somewhere on here where you can find your representative but can't seem to find it.  Can someone help me? 

Thanks. L

[TimeStandsStill]

http://www.elections.illinois.gov/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx

[TimeStandsStill]

The House Rules Committee is meeting today in Chicago.

http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/hearing.asp?CommitteeID=900&GA=97

The next House Rules Committee Hearing is 2/15/12 in Chicago.

http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/hearing.asp?CommitteeID=900&GA=97

[Bill]

The House Rules Committee is meeting today in Chicago.

http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/hearing.asp?CommitteeID=900&GA=97

The next House Rules Committee Hearing is 2/15/12 in Chicago.

http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/hearing.asp?CommitteeID=900&GA=97

I am going to spfld  feb 22 and should find out about committee hearings on the bills. I iwll post something the day after.  if there is a hearing we will hear lots and lots of people at the hearing that will be in spfld and petition can be submitted that day. I am fairly confident thee will be hearing but who knows what might happen. keep calling the Goivernor he is the key