The Illinois House Republican lawmakers formed a public safety working group earlier this year.  The concern is the rising crime rates. Members of the group held a press conference to discuss legislation including a number of bills that will address the rise in crime and ongoing uncertainty in current state law.  The group which ahs been working since January, has put together a package of 20-plus bills to further strengthen public safety in the state. 

State Representative Patrick Windhorst talks about some of the legislation he hopes to see pushed through that will help strengthen the fight against crime.

State Representative Dennis Tipsword says that he feels that criminals are conditioned that there are no consequences for their actions.

State Representative John Cabello says that recruitment is also taking a hit. 

State Representative Dan Ugaste touched on cash bail and the impact on the state.

Pretrial reform is also something that State Republicans are concerned with. House Republicans feel that crime is one of the top concerns in the general assembly.