Retired superintendent calls dropout epidemic the nation's biggest socio-economic problem

By Ben Velderman
EAGnews.org

GUILFORD, Conn. -  Armand Fusco has dedicated over 50 years of his life to public education, first as a classroom teacher and later as a guidance counselor, a principal, a superintendent and a university professor.


The 80-year-old educator and scholar has seen virtually every educational fad and reform there is, but none has come close to solving what he calls "the most serious socio-economic problem facing the nation" -  school dropouts.

"Reforms intended to improve inner city schools do not address the dropouts because they are considered throwaway children - out of sight, out of mind," Fusco tells EAGnews.org in an email exchange.

The "throwaway" children - many of whom are black males and Latinos - all have one thing in common: they are functionally illiterate, lacking basic reading, writing and math skills. As a result, "they experience academic failure day in and day out," and have no compelling reason to remain in school, Fusco says.

On average, 7,200 kids drop out of school every day, totaling 1.2 million dropouts per year. Over the course of three years, that's a population that surpasses the size of Chicago.

Dropping out of school causes obvious economic hardships for young people. They earn far less than their high school- and college-educated peers, assuming they can even find work.

Low-skilled workers have unemployment rates that are two-to-four times higher than those with higher levels of training, and they also spend more time out of work, writes Dropout Nation editor RiShawn Biddle.

But dropping out of school results in more than lost income; it also leads to lost lives.

School dropouts account for 80 percent of the nation's prison population, which Fusco sums up this way: "If a student can't read, he can't learn, he can't get a job, he can't survive, so he can't stay within the law."

It's a serious problem, but Fusco says only one of the education reforms being proposed and enacted throughout the nation has the potential to solve it: holding back third graders until they acquire adequate math and reading skills.

The research backs him up: students who don't have basic literacy skills by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Third grade retention "is the only policy that may have some lasting effect, and it's still in its infancy," Fusco says.

A few states do require students to be proficient in reading before leaving the third grade - most notably Florida and Indiana - but he warns that approach will not succeed unless there are intensive literacy intervention programs for struggling students.

"It should begin the summer following grade three and continue, if need be, by having a minimum of four hours a day devoted to literacy instruction," Fusco says, adding that "interventions could and should begin even earlier."

'Zombie schools'


Fusco has literally written the book on the dropout problem. He released a 500-page tome earlier this year called "School Pushouts: A Plague of Hopelessness Perpetuated by Zombie Schools."

As the title reveals, Fusco blames the dropout problem on "zombie schools" - his term for failing schools - and the adults who allow them to exist.

The former superintendent places much of the blame on ineffective school boards that fail to provide strong leadership and shirk their oversight duties. Weak school boards cede too much control over the operation of the school district to the local teachers unions.

Clauses in teacher contracts constrain school administrators from effectively managing the school by placing limits on class sizes, meeting times, teacher evaluations, teacher assignments, grievance procedures and layoff procedures, among other things.

"The very public institutions intended for student learning have become focused instead on adult employment," he says.

Fusco also blames state departments of education "that tread too lightly on local control," thus allowing weak-kneed school boards to exist.

"(The states) are the ones that have the responsibility and are in control," he says. "There is no one else to blame."

Fusco recoils at the typical union suggestion that parents are ultimately to blame for allowing their children to attend school unprepared to learn. Unions only make that argument to shift responsibility from their members, he says.

"What parents can be blamed for is not supporting what the schools are trying to do academically, not helping enforce discipline, and not getting involved with the school, although many single parents don't have the time to do it," he adds.

'A time bomb exploding '

Fusco spends hours every morning scouring various education blogs and websites for the latest reports and studies concerning school dropouts. The research has led Fusco to break with fellow education reformers over the value of charter schools, vouchers and school choice.

Such options might provide "an immediate escape from the bondage of failing public schools," but only if there is a successful school nearby, he says. Too often, students end up trading a failing school for one that is "less failing."

But he reserves his strongest criticism for reformers who want to expand preschool programs.

"That's probably the most insane reform," he says. "What is absent from the discussion is what happens to children upon leaving preschool. Since this effort is primarily in the inner cities, and since the inner cities have the preponderance of failing schools, the reality is that the preschoolers simply move on to a failing school. That makes no sense.

"What preschool does is to provide many union jobs, and that's really what it's about."

Instead, Fusco advocates policies that are designed to boost reading skills. That list includes teaching literacy in all classes, using online learning programs for intervention purposes, having schools partner with local colleges and universities and, of course, third grade retention.

He notes that the third grade reform "engine has not picked up steam," possibly because holding students back is a blow to the self-image of both the students and their parents.

But research shows that third grade retention only works if it is accompanied with an effective reading intervention strategy. Holding students back simply to give more of the same only results in continued failure, he warns.

Educators also need to revamp the high school experience, since this "is where dropouts occur." He says "improving high schools - what they do and how they do it - could be a significant help in stemming the tide of dropouts."

"Remember what the basic problem is - dropouts are in all respects illiterate and that is why they are failing," Fusco says.

He sums up the urgency of the dropout problem this way: "This is a time bomb exploding economically and socially every twenty-six seconds."

Riverside Theatre Announces September 15th Deadline for Monologue Submissions to Walking the Wire: TMI

Iowa City, IA - Riverside Theatre invites playwrights to submit monologues for performance in Walking the Wire. This annual celebration of original work features monologues of ten minutes or less by both established and emerging playwrights. The focus for this season's monologues is: TMI. Submissions must be emailed as a Word or PDF document and dated by midnight CST September 15, 2012; final selections will be announced on Riverside Theatre's website (www.riversidetheatre.org) on November 1, 2012. The monologues will be performed March 1-10, 2013 at Riverside Theatre.

Submission Guidelines

Riverside Theatre is seeking original monologues with the theme of TMI (too much information): moments of startling revelations...wince-worthy weirdness...and hilarious personal habits (that didn't really need to be shared).

  1. Up to two submissions per author of original, unpublished and unproduced monologues less than ten minutes length (please read it aloud and include the approximate performance time on the first page of your submission; all lengths of up to ten minutes will be considered, with the objective of choosing monologues of varying lengths).
  2. Selection considerations: Monologues should have strong forward action and a clear dramatic event or moment.
  3. Copy requirements: double spaced in a minimum 12 pt. font, and including the playwright's name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.
  4. Simple is best. Since Walking the Wire typically includes 10-12 monologues, it is important that each one require as little production as possible; set-pieces, props or effects needing set-up, strike, or special technical support may disqualify an otherwise excellent submission.
  5. Email submissions (Word or PDF document attachment) must be dated by midnight CST September 15, 2012. Final selections will announced on Riverside Theatre's website, www.riversidetheatre.org on November 1, 2012.
  6. Writers will be credited in all marketing and playbill materials; no royalties will be paid. Walking the Wire will be produced March 1-10, 2013. Playwrights are entitled to two complimentary tickets to any single performance; tickets are not transferable.
  7. Submissions should be emailed to: artistic@riversidetheatre.org

For more information about Riverside Theatre, visit www.riversidetheatre.org.

###

Alleged misappropriation of investor funds for twenty years calls into question CFTC's oversight

 

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today called on the US House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to investigate the Commodities Futures Trading Commission's role in allowing Peregrine Financial Group of Cedar Falls to apparent misappropriate $200 million of investor funds over 20 years in what could be the largest financial fraud in Iowa history.

 

In a letter to committee Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, Braley requested a hearing into Peregrine Financial Group and the CFTC's oversight of commodities trading.  Braley is a member of the House Oversight Committee.

 

"It's shocking to think that Peregrine was defrauding its customers for more than 20 years," Braley said.  "My question is, where were the regulators who should have stopped this long ago and how did Peregrine so easily fool them?

 

"It's the job of regulators to protect farmers, families, and businesses who have invested in futures. I'm greatly concerned that this misappropriation of funds was allowed to continue for so long before it was discovered.  Iowans deserve answers - especially those who were victims of Peregrine's fraud."

 

In court filings, federal prosecutors allege that Russell Wassendorf, Sr., CEO of Peregrine Financial Group, admitted to falsifying bank statements and defrauding customers for 20 years.

 

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has said that Peregrine has "used customer funds for purposes other than those intended by its customers." According to CFTC, the money has been misused for years and as many as 1,845 investors are missing their money.

 

The full text of Braley's letter to Issa and Cummings follows.

 

--

 

July 16, 2012

 

The Honorable Darrel Issa                          

Chairman                      

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform                        

B3540-A, Rayburn HOB                           

Washington, DC  20515                         

 

The Honorable Elijah Cummings

Ranking Member

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

2471 Rayburn HOB

Washington, DC  20515

 

 

Dear Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings:

 

I am writing to bring to your attention the apparent misappropriation of more than $200 million in client funds by Peregrine Financial Group, an Iowa-based futures trading company. According to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Peregrine has "used customer funds for purposes other than those intended by its customers."

 

According to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney on Friday, Russell Wassendorf, Sr., Founder and CEO of Peregrine Financial Group, admitted that he was defrauding his customers for as long as 20 years.  According to court documents, Peregrine had as many as 1,845 investors - and it is unclear whether their money will ever be recovered.

 

It is the job of regulators to protect farmers, families, and businesses who have invested in futures.  I'm greatly concerned that this misappropriation of funds was allowed to continue so long before being discovered.

 

In the wake of the MF Global debacle and these new allegations at Peregrine Financial Group, I ask that you immediately hold a hearing to look at unanswered questions related to the role of the CFTC in allowing this situation to continue and investigate whether this agency had the proper procedures in place to prevent this type of abuse from happening again. It is absolutely essential that there is investor confidence in our commodity trading system.

 

It is also important that any hearing focus on whether there is a process in place to expedite the recovery of the assets of these investors.

 

Thanks again for your consideration of this request. We owe it to American taxpayers and investors to ensure a secure marketplace where they can trust that their money is protected from fraud.

 

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Braley

Member of Congress

 

# # #

Military Museum Marks Bicentennial of War of 1812

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/16/2012)(readMedia)-- To recognize the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the Illinois State Military Museum and the Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society are hosting a lecture by Gillum Ferguson.

WHO:

Gillum Ferguson, author of Illinois in the War of 1812

WHAT:

To recognize the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the Illinois State Military Museum and the Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society are hosting a lecture by Gillum Ferguson. The author of the recently published Illinois in the War of 1812 will examine the personalities of those who fought, the war's defining events and the importance of the war in developing the Illinois territory into a state. Admission and parking are free.

WHEN: Saturday August 11, 2012 at 02:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)

WHERE:Illinois State Military Museum
1301 N. MacArthur Blvd
Springfield, Illinois 62702

NOTES:

The Illinois State Military Museum displays the history of the Illinois National Guard from 1723 to the 21st Century. Located two blocks north of the intersection of MacArthur Blvd. and North Grand Ave. in Springfield, Ill., the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Contact the museum at (217) 761-3910 or NGILMilitaryMuseum@ng.army.mil or visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/museum/. Become a museum Facebook Fan at www.facebook.com/illinoisstatemilitarymuseum. To learn more about Illinois National Guard history visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/History/.

Escape The Heat, Meet The Legend and Bring The Family

WHO:

Roger Craig, the former NFL running back for the San Francisco 49ers will sign autographs and take photos for fans during his visit to the Quad Cities.

Fans will recall that Roger won three Super Bowls in 1984, 1988 and 1989 while playing with football legends Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.

Roger Craig was born in Davenport, Iowa went to college at the University of Nebraska and joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1983. Craig is well-known for his distinctive high-knee running technique. Craig retired in 1993 with the Minnesota Vikings.

 

WHERE:

SouthPark Mall

4500 16th Street

Moline, IL 61265

 

WHAT:

Roger will be signing autographes in the store located next to GNC and Maurices

 

WHEN:

Sunday, July 22 from 4p-6p

Autographs for small items will start at $25, premium items will be $50 and photo opportunities start at $40.

 

For more information and up to the minute sales and event info, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter or visit us online at www.facebook.com/southparkmallil or www.twitter.com/southparkmallil

--Photographers and Camera Crews Welcome--

###

More than 3,700 Schools Have Received Honors for Expanding Nutrition and Health

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2012 - USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Janey Thornton yesterday announced that 3,717 schools are now certified in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), an initiative that boosts the health and nutrition of the nation's schoolchildren. The HUSSC is one of the key parts of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation.

"USDA committed to working with schools across the nation to reach the goal of having 2,250 HealthierUS School Challenge-certified schools by the end of June 2012," said Thornton. "USDA and its partners not only succeeded in meeting that milestone, but have also surpassed the goal set for June 2012, a year ahead of schedule."

In February 2010, the First Lady and USDA challenged stakeholders to double the number of HUSSC schools within a year and then add 1,000 schools per year for the following two years. Schools participating in the Challenge are recognized with Gold of Distinction, Gold, Silver, or Bronze certification. Schools participating in the challenge voluntarily adopt USDA standards for their efforts in improving food and beverage offerings, teaching kids about nutritious food choices and being physically active, providing opportunities for physical activity, and having supportive school wellness policies.

"By prioritizing nutrition and physical activity for their children, leaders in these schools and the communities that support them are playing a crucial role in building a healthier next generation," said Thornton. "Through their leadership, we are confident that schools across the nation will be able to implement the new standards for nutrition and ensure that the 32 million lunches and 13 million breakfasts served in schools every day will continue to play a key role in the fight against obesity in this country."

Reducing childhood obesity and improving the nutrition of all Americans are vital to achieving a healthy future for America. USDA is working to implement historic reforms mandated by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that will mark the most comprehensive change to food in schools in more than a generation. These reforms include updated nutrition standards for school meals to increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy; performance-based funding increases for schools - the first real increase in 30 years; and training and technical assistance to help schools meet improved standards.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, including school meals programs, that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. These programs work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger. Visit www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and nutrition assistance programs.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


#
From Natural Disasters to Layoffs, Today's World is Full of Tortured Survivors, Physician Says

There wasn't a name for the syndrome before the 1960s, when psychologists started recognizing a condition among patients who all happened to be Holocaust survivors. It came to be known as "survivor guilt."

The affliction also affects those who have endured war, natural disasters, the suicide of a loved one, epidemics and even employment layoffs. Eli Nussbaum, recently named among the top pediatric pulmonologists, is keenly aware of the circumstances surrounding this subset of post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I am a consequence of the Holocaust - both of my parents lost their families during those years," says Nussbaum, author of The Promise (www.elinussbaum.com), a novel that begins in Poland on the eve of World War II and follows three generations through the aftermath.

He is among the group known as the "Second Generation" - children born to survivors anxiously trying to rebuild the families they'd lost. Nussbaum was born in Poland to a man who'd lost his first wife and four children, and a woman who lost her first husband and child, during the Nazi's genocidal regime.

"Because of my family background, I am intimately aware of life's fragility and how a devastating experience can affect a person emotionally," he says. "As a Second Generation, I too was shaped by my parents' trauma. While being raised by survivors made some of us more resilient and better able to adapt and cope, it made others distrustful of outsiders and always on the defense."

For anyone profoundly affected by loss, he says, it's worth the effort to work at transitioning from guilt to appreciation of the gift that is their life. He offers these tips:

• Seek treatment early: The sooner counseling is provided, the more preventable or manageable guilt may be. Early methods may recognize a survivor's feelings and eventually offer alternative perspectives. The hope is to get the survivor to see the loss of colleagues, friends or family as the result of misfortune that has nothing to do with personal culpability.  

• Watch for delayed reactions - even years later: No two individuals are identical, and some survivors do not show symptoms until long after a traumatic event. If you or a loved one has experienced a life-altering change or loss and later develop problems such as clinical depression or a prevalent sense of self-blame, be aware they may be rooted in past trauma and share that information with a counselor. Other problems that could be signs of survivor guilt: nightmares, unpredictable emotional response and anxiety.

• Don't turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with uncomfortable feelings: Many people suffering post-traumatic stress-related disorders try to self-medicate or somehow will themselves into a better mental state. Drug addiction is often the result, which is why those who suspect a problem should seek professional help. One-on-one therapy, as well as group talk and possibly doctor-prescribed medications are frequently used to help survivors move past guilt.

"Whether people are dealing with the loss of life from combat, or an accident, or suicide, they may not consider themselves 'victims.' So they don't seek help," Nussbaum says. "They may also feel that no one has been through the same experience.

"That's why it is important to be surrounded by loved ones who can offer love, support and perhaps the perspective to seek professional help."

Because their families were gone, many Holocaust survivors did not have that option, which Nussbaum says made the writing of his novel that much more imperative.

"Only they can know just what it was like - but suffering is a universal experience to which we can all relate," he says. "Life can get better, and the story of my parents, and the fortune in my life, is proof of that."

About Eliezer Nussbaum, M.D.

Eliezer Nussbaum, M.D., was born in Katowice, Poland. He is a professor of Clinical Pediatrics Step VII at the University of California and Chief of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine and Medical Director of Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis Center at Memorial Miller Children's Hospital of Long Beach. He has authored two novels, three non-fiction books and more than 150 scientific publications, and was named among the top U.S. doctors by US News and World Report in 2011-12.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Here is information about Senator Grassley's schedule this week.  The Senate is in session.

Senator Grassley will meet with Iowans from the Conservation Districts of Iowa, Cedar Valley Hospice, Christians United for Israel, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the National Downs Syndrome Congress, and  the National Association of Elementary and Secondary Principals.

He also will meet with Iowa students from Waverly, Spirit Lake, and Carroll.

Senator Grassley will meet with Iowa families visiting Washington from Ankeny, Treynor, Pella, Nevada, Cedar Rapids, Oskaloosa, Knoxville, Pella, Randalia, Auburn, Waukon, Goose Lake, Altoona, Waterloo, and West Des Moines.

Senator Grassley will be a guest this week on public affairs programs hosted by Mike Savage on KBUR Radio in Burlington, Jim Fischer on WOC Radio in Davenport, and Fred Hoffman of KCPS Radio in Burlington.

On Tuesday, July 17, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in an Agriculture Committee oversight hearing regarding the Dodd-Frank financial reform enacted two years ago.  Gary Gensler, the Chairman of the Commodities Future Trading Commission is scheduled to testify.  Senator Grassley will question the Chairman about the CFTC's oversight of Peregrine Financial in Cedar Falls, which has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with $215 million in customer funds missing.  The CFTC is responsible for regulating commodity markets, and the Agriculture Committee has legislative and oversight responsibility for the CFTC.

On Wednesday, July 18, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in a Judiciary Committee hearing on Improving Forensic Science in the Criminal Justice System.  Senator Grassley is Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee.  In 1997, Senator Grassley took on the cause of Dr. Frederic Whitehurst, a whistleblower who exposed problems with the FBI crime lab, which had lost accreditation due to its shortcomings in forensic science and led to landmark reform recommendations from the Inspector General for the Department of Justice.  Today, Senator Grassley is questioning the FBI and the Justice Department to obtain more information about what has led to the present-day largest post-conviction review ever done by the FBI due to flawed forensic work in federal and local cases nationwide.

On Wednesday, July 18, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in a mark-up by the Finance Committee of international trade legislation, including the Enforcing Orders and Reducing Customs Evasion (ENFORCE) Act; Citrus, Cotton and Wool Trust Funds; amendments to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), technical corrections to the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) ; Burma Sanctions; and Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) for Russia and Moldova.

On Wednesday, July 18, at 2:30 p.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in a hearing of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control about Responding to the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic.  Senator Grassley is co-chair of the drug caucus.  According to a recent survey by Monitoring the Future, a University of Michigan study of U.S. students and young adults funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drugs are the second-most abused category of drugs after marijuana.

On Thursday, July 19, at 10 a.m. (ET), in Dirksen 226, Senator Grassley will participate in the Judiciary Committee's weekly executive business meeting.  The nomination of Frank Paul Geraci Jr. to be United States District Judge for the Western District of New York, Fernando M. Olguin to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, Malachy Edward Mannion to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Matthew W. Brann to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and Charles R. Breyer to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission may be considered.  In addition, S.285, a bill for the relief of Sopuruchi Chukwueke, and S.3276, the Federal Aviation Administration Sunsets Extension Act of 2012 may be considered by committee members.

QUAD CITIES–Xstream Cleanup, presented by Riverboat Development Authority and Group O, is seeking hundreds of volunteers to clean up 43 sites in the Quad Cities area on Saturday, August 11 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Cleanups will take place in Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire and McCausland, Iowa; Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois.

Volunteers can choose to participate in either a light-duty or heavy-duty cleanup, invasive plant removal or a greening/beautification project. All volunteers registered by August 2 receive a free t-shirt and a pass for a special viewing area at River Roots Live on August 18.

No previous cleanup experience is necessary and supplies will be provided. A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under the age of 18. Interested persons should register online at www.xstreamcleanup.org. The registration deadline is August 2.

This event will mark the ninth annual Xstream Cleanup. Last year nearly 1,300 volunteers worked on August 13 and removed 69,455 pounds of debris from area waterways and illegal dump sites.

Xstream Cleanup 2012 is sponsored by: Presenting Sponsors: Group O and Riverboat Development Authority. Platinum Sponsors: Alcoa, iLivehere® and Living Lands & Waters. Gold Sponsors: Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, Iowa American Water, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency and The Moline Foundation. Silver Sponsors: Alter Metal Recycling, DHL Global Forwarding, Independent Insurance Agents of Scott County, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, Oystar Packaging Technologies, Quad City Conservation Alliance, Radish magazine, Sears Seating and Wallace's Garden Center. Bronze Sponsors: Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection, Mel Foster Company and Midas Auto Systems Experts. Logistics Sponsors: Cities of Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire, McCausland, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis. Allied Waste, Bi-State Regional Commission, Keep Rock Island Beautiful, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, River Roots Live and Waste Commission of Scott County.

###

New Measures Strengthen Crime Victims' Rights and Streamlines Victim Compensation

CHICAGO - July 16, 2012.  Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by legislators, community leaders and crime victims as he signed three new laws to increase assistance for crime victims and their families. The measures signed today will strengthen crime victims' rights, ensure that victims know their rights under Illinois law, and simplify the process for awarding victim compensation in Illinois. The governor signed the legislation to help crime victims as part of his commitment to increase public safety in Illinois.

"As we continue working to reduce crime in Illinois, we want to ensure that any victim of a crime has the support they need," Governor Quinn said. "These measures will help victims receive emotional and financial piece of mind while recovering from a crime."

House Bill 5187, sponsored by Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), increases the rights of crime victims by requiring law enforcement to provide a written copy of victim rights within 48 hours of their first contact. Law enforcement will also be required to explain the assistance that victims may be eligible for under the Crime Victims Compensation Act. In addition, the law directs these rights to be posted outside any criminal courtroom in Illinois. Among the rights included is guaranteed notification to victims when an offender is committed to a mental health facility or leaves state custody. The law is supported by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Coalitions Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, and the Offices of the Illinois Attorney General and the State's Attorney of Cook County.

Senate Bill 3693, sponsored by Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) broadens compensation for victims and their families by providing for spousal counseling services, adding additional violent crimes that could be eligible for restitution and authorizing payments to non-family or non-immediate family members who make initial payments for medical care and other expenses. The law also streamlines payment procedures to address a time lapse between the crime, a trial and medical procedures, and provides a new maximum award of $1,250 for replacement services, $7,000 for funeral and burial expenses and $1,250 for loss of earnings. HB 5187 and SB 3693 take affect January 1.

Senate Bill 3602, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago), improves the way fines are calculated and contributed to the Violence Crime Victims Assistance Fund (VCVAF). The measure streamlines the procedure for determining fund contributions by changing it from a percentage of the fine to a simple, flat fee. The law will ensure that the VCVAF receives the consistent contributions it needs to support victims and their families across Illinois in the aftermath of a crime. SB 3602 takes effect immediately.

For more information about crime victim rights and the Crime Victim Compensation Program, call the Office of Illinois Attorney General at 1-800-228-3368 or visit online at http://www.ag.state.il.us/victims/cvc.html.

###

Pages