Lisa Hernandez Pushes to Get Firearms off the Streets, Support Local Efforts

CICERO, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, highlighted new funding released by the Illinois State Police (ISP) to keep offenders who are barred from possessing a firearm in compliance with state law, continuing her efforts to keep survivors and communities safe.

“Situations between abusers and their victims can become deadly when a firearm is present. Making sure law enforcement can keep offenders in compliance and removing firearms from those who aren’t is critical to keeping survivors and their families safe,” Hernandez said. “This added funding will bolster these efforts and make them more effective at catching unlawful firearms from those who absolutely should not have access to these lethal weapons. While our state budget addresses many different priorities for my community and many like ours, my work has made sure that keeping people safe is top priority. This budget moves us in that direction.”

The $1.5 million dedicated to local law enforcement agencies will focus on keeping individuals subject to Firearm Restraining and Clear and Present Danger Orders or those who receive a criminal conviction in compliance with state law. Several local departments will receive funding from ISP, including $14,791 for the Brookfield Police Department, $27,447 for the Cicero Police Department and $479,633 for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

Hernandez worked tirelessly with her colleagues and law enforcement to ensure that our next state budget addresses Illinois’ public safety needs. The FY 25 budget includes $148 million to ongoing Reimagine Public Safety initiatives that support community-based organizations, equip local agencies with the tools they need, and uplift victims and their families.