(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Calling gun violence a public health crisis, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday promised to set aside $250 million in state funds to be spent on public safety efforts over the next few years.
Rather, the money would go toward what the Pritzker Administration calls the Reimagine Public Safety program, which emphasizes community-based efforts to reduce crime.
“Reimagine Public Safety is an evidence-based and data driven approach focusing on violence prevention, youth development, and the provision of trauma-based services. And we are putting an unprecedented amount of dollars – $250 million – on the ground to see it through,” Pritzker said in a news release.
The Democrat, who is seeking a second term in office, announced the initiative with other officials on Chicago’s West Side. They included Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Pritzker issued an executive order that declares gun violence a public health crisis. The directive requires state agencies to work with the new Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP).
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