SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Labor Council and State Lodge have issued the following statements regarding the passage of an Illinois state budget after the House and Senate voted this week to override Governor Bruce Rauner's veto:
“Having a budget means another cadet class so there will be enough State Police officers to patrol our roads. It also means university police departments can continue to keep our college campuses safe, and it means those with mental illness can receive treatment rather than be forced onto the street for police officers to handle,” said Illinois FOP Labor Council Assistant Director Shawn Roselieb. “When you add this to the General Assembly's override of the Governor's veto of the 911 funding bill, it represents a strong stand by Representatives and Senators for public safety in Illinois.”
“I applaud the legislators from both sides of the aisle for having the courage to vote their consciences this week,” said Illinois FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “They have demonstrated fortitude in the face of political threats and have shown that although we may be Democrats or Republicans, we are Illinoisans first, and we deserve the public protection services this budget provides.”
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council is a law enforcement union representing more than 11,600 professionals in more than 514 bargaining units who work in the criminal justice system. The Labor Council negotiates and enforces contracts and improves salaries, working conditions, and benefits for law enforcement professionals throughout Illinois. Its members include police officers who work for municipalities, universities, and elected Constitutional officials; county sheriff’s deputies, correctional and court security officers; probation officers; 911 telecommunicators; law enforcement records personnel; and some related support staff. Visit www.fop.org for more information.
The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP State Lodge, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.
