Cassidy bill signed by Gov Rauner "decrims" small amounts of pot posession

In a move that belied the stalemate that has existed in the Illinois state legislature between Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Democrats, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) worked hard to craft  legislation with  SB 2228 to decriminalize pot pession, and provide an avenue to future employment without punitive damages that might thwart employment. And, on Friday that bill was signed into law by the governor.

A statement released by her office, giving the details of the legislation, noted that it “provides a statewide standard for cannabis possession, with a maximum $200 fine for possession of 10 grams or less and automatic expungement upon fine payment. The bill also implements scientifically proven standards for driving under the influence of cannabis and strengthens penalties for the dangerous production process of butane extracts.”

Chicago had already joined 100 local governments “in removing some criminal penalties for people caught with lesser amounts of marijuana. But the new law extends decriminalization to the entire state,” noted the Chicago Sun-Times.

In the past, these low levels of marijuana possession provided not only uneven adjudication, but also threatened the future livelihood of those convicted. A related bill, HB 4360 “would eliminate the lifetime bar on employment and reduce time frames of prohibited hiring for various non-violent offenses for those seeking work in schools. It allows qualified individuals a chance to make their case and be considered for open positions. A thorough negotiation process secured the support of the Illinois State Board of Education,” the statement concluded.

An earlier attempt by Cassidy, to make possession of up to 15 grams of pot a ticketable offense, was rejected by Rauner, who said it would allow people to carry too much pot, and that fines should be more than $55 to $125. The current bill meets his desires.

While the bill had many supporters, among them legal advocacy organizations, such as the Marijuana Policy Project, university studies, and some local lawmakers, not all were pleased. Much of that support was based on justice, and future damages. Chris Lindsey, senior legislative council, of the MPP, noted that “Nobody should face a lifelong criminal record and potential jail time for possessing a substance that is safer than alcohol. Serious criminal penalties should be reserved for people who commit serious crimes, not low-level marijuana offenses.”

The Illinois Family Institute was not supportive of the bill and, in noting their opposition, said,“Governor Rauner and the state lawmakers who pushed to decriminalize marijuana possession have only succeeded in removing a significant deterrent to drug use and addiction,” said David E. Smith, the institute’s executive director. “Too many lawmakers have been erroneously led to believe that our prisons and judicial system are overrun with ‘petty’ marijuana offenses. This is NOT true,” reported the Sun-Times.

They also said that state prisons were “not overrun” with low level offenders; yet, the bill’s sponsor, State Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), “has argued that 98 percent of the more than 50,000 marijuana-related arrests in Illinois each year are for small amounts, intended for personal use.”

After the signing, Cassidy remarked that, “In the midst of a session where cooperation and compromise has been lacking, I am proud to have worked out our differences on this legislation and move our state in a very positive direction.”  And, “The governor and I both recognize the urgent need for criminal justice reform, reduction in prison population and the removal of barriers to reentry.”

The law takes effect immediately, making possession of 10 grams or less of pot a civil, rather than a criminal violation. Fines will range from $100 to a maximum of $200.

Cassidy worked with a widespread coalition, gaining support from the Cook County State’s Attorney, Sheriff’s Office and Public Defender, in addition to numerous organizations across the state. She represents the 14th District on Chicago’s North Side, which includes the neighborhoods of Edgewater, Andersonville and Rogers Park.

NEIU President Sharon Hahs announces retirement after developing a first class university

Earning a four year baccalaureate degree at an affordable price, as well as a graduate degree, and in a world class city may seem to some an impossible task, but in Chicago, that was proved possible under the helm of Northeastern Illinois University President Sharon Hahs who announced,on Wednesday, her plans to retire, on September 30, after nearly a decade at the helm.

In a statement released by the University, it was noted that “Since she assumed the role as NEIU President in 2007, Hahs has led transformative endeavors that expanded the University both academically and physically. At her departure she will have prepared Northeastern for the 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and the public launch of Transforming Lives, the University’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign.”

Located on the city’s North Side, the University has served a diverse body of students, including many adult learners who have taken their training to serve in various professional capacities in metropolitan Chicago. Northeastern Illinois University is a fully accredited public university serving approximately 10,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students at five locations in the Chicago metropolitan area. It is a dynamic university with remarkable diversity, excellent faculty, high-quality academic programs, and a proven track record of career preparation.

Since she assumed the role as NEIU President in 2007, Hahs “has led transformative endeavors that expanded the University both academically and physically. At her departure she will have prepared Northeastern for the 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and the public launch of Transforming Lives, the University’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign.”

Showing her commitment to the school, and “having served in public higher education for 42 years, Hahs delayed her retirement plans due to the state budget crisis.” She noted that with the passage of the recent stopgap budget, passed by the Illinois legislature,and signed by  Gov. Bruce Rauner, the University is stable, resilient, and has strong leadership in place for the next phase of Northeastern’s Strategic Plan,” and this was a good time for the transition.

“It has been deeply gratifying to lead the University in these challenging times,” she said. “My entire career in public higher education prepared me for this role; it has been my honor and joy to work with committed and talented faculty and staff, serving bright and hard-working students, helping them to meet their professional and personal goals. I am also grateful for the enduring commitment of alumni and friends.”

Hahs will recommend to the Board of Trustees that Provost Richard Helldobler serve as Interim President, postponing a national search for president until Illinois has at least one full regular budget cycle. The Board is expected to hold a special meeting to address this in the next two or three weeks.

In its statement, the University noted that “During her decade as President, Hahs oversaw the construction of the University’s new El Centro location—an award-winning, highly visible building along the Kennedy Expressway. She not only paved the way for Northeastern to open its first residence hall this fall, but she built a strong reputation for Northeastern that reflects its quality programs and the success of its graduates. During her tenure, Northeastern has had some of its largest graduating classes; in fact, more than 17,000 degrees have been conferred.”

Hahs also Bolstered the reputation and profile of the institution, earning it distinctions such as Newsweek’s 6th Best Investment, U.S. News & World Report’s Least Debt upon graduation and Top 100 schools for graduating ethnically diverse students (Diverse: Issues in Higher Education).