West Joins House Committees Focused on Higher Education, Criminal Justice and Mental Health

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, will serve on House committees related to mental health, criminal justice and higher education.

“I’m excited to bring my experience working within higher education to the House committees that will handle legislation that impacts our state’s colleges and universities,” West said. “In the wake of the state budget impasse, we have to focus on keeping talented students here in Illinois while expanding opportunity to high school students looking to take the next step.”

In addition to serving on the Appropriations-Higher Education Committee and Higher Education Committee, West will work to address mental health challenges for the state on the Mental Health Committee.

“Our community is fortunate to be served by mental health professionals who work every day to handle crises and assist the well-being of our area’s residents,” West said. “Unfortunately our state has not prioritized mental health in recent years. I look forward to working with area experts to address the challenges our state faces when it comes to mental care and providing resources to make improvements.”

West will also look for insight from area advocates, law enforcement and other stakeholders as he serves on the Judiciary-Criminal Committee.

“Crime, and the resulting penalties from crime, affect every part of this community,” West said. “It’s important that we carefully review changes to our criminal system and review policy that gives law enforcement the tools they need to keep our city and state safe while giving individuals an opportunity to avoid the cycle of recidivism.”                                                                                                                                         

For more information, please contact West’s constituent service office at 815-987-7433 or Press@StateRepWest.com.