(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — As City Council Budget hearings continue, there are calls to increase funding for the agency that deals with hate crimes.
Nancy Andrade, who chairs Chicago's Commission on Human Relations, acknowledges that hate crimes, especially antisemitism, are rising. And with Donald Trump returning to office, there could be increased tensions.
“We at the CCHR are poised and ready and have always been ready to address any form of hate that arises. The climate right now in this country, in particular, is one that we are well aware.”
But the Commission only has one hate crimes victim advocate. North Side Alderwoman Maria Hadden asks if adding one more is enough.
“I would like to see through the chair, what it would look like to add more than one additional position. So if through the chair, you could get us what that cost would be. And I say that only knowing as colleagues have mentioned and you've shared the numbers, we have seen a rise in hate crimes and hate incidents,” Hadden said.
She's not alone in that concern.
The budget for the Chicago Commission on Human Relations isn't very big, and neither is the staff. But, Alderwoman Nicole Lee pointed out the need for its services is great now.
“With the rise in hate crimes and incidents that are reported. What's the impact been on your department? What's the workload been like? What has the challenge been?”
Nancy Andrade, who chairs the Commission, says one challenge is that Norman White, who was at the hearing is the only hate crime victim's advocate on staff.
“We are very, very busy, we are very busy. As I mentioned before, we, Norman is a, one man show and we are very much looking forward to having in addition, to Norman so that we can be much more impactful.”
Religion-based hate crimes in Chicago are up this year, and officials expect a more charged atmosphere with a change in the White House.
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