Didech Supports Security Grants for Places of Worship

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the horrific terror attacks in Charleston, Pittsburgh, and New Zealand, state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, is supporting a bill that would provide funding for places of worship to make security improvements.

“Synagogues, mosques, churches, and all other places of worship have distressingly become common targets of hatred and violence,” Didech said. “With the number of hate crimes surging in the last few years, the danger to our community is increasing. This bill will provide the funding for our communities to protect themselves from harm.”

House Bill 3021, which Didech is co-sponsoring, would allow the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to distribute funds to non-profit organizations to allow them to provide additional security. This includes places of worship, community centers, and charitable organizations. Didech hopes that the additional funding will help prevent future tragedies.

“Everyone deserves peace of mind when they go to their place of worship,” Didech said. “We must invest in our security, promote tolerance, and defeat dangerous ideologies so these tragedies stop happening. This bill is an important step toward protecting us from violent people with hateful beliefs.”