Chicago, IL – With more brutal shootings over the weekend in Chicago, state Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside) and state Sen. Antonio Muñoz (D-Chicago) are calling for a measure that aims to increase minimum sentencing for the most serious gun crimes and requires offenders to serve at least 85 percent of imposed sentences to be considered during the upcoming fall veto session.

“We continue to see criminals escaping with minor sentences for possessing and using firearms, which clearly shows us that our current laws as they relate to gun offenders fail to provide sufficient deterrence from committing these horrific acts of violence,” Zalewski said.  “A prime example of where this proposed measure will help prevent crime is that one of the gunmen from this past weekend’s shootings had a Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) charge in 2012, and if this law was on the books he would have been in prison, not committing murder on our streets.”

“As a former Chicago Police Officer, I understand the need to stop the gang fighting throughout our communities, this is why I am sponsoring HB 2265 in the Senate,” Muñoz added.  “This legislation will give Cook County State’s Attorney Alvarez additional tools to ensure those who commit gun crimes serve 85 percent of their sentence.  By adding mandatory minimums for crimes like the recent heinous shootings in Back of the Yards neighborhood, my hope is that these tougher penalties will act as a deterrent.”

House Bill 2265 is backed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and Chicago Police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy.  The proposed legislation will increase the penalty for felons who carry guns, from two years to three years, with subsequent offenses requiring a minimum of five years.  It will also increase the minimum sentence for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon when the offender does not possess a valid FOID card and the gun is in their possession and loaded, from one year minimum to three years minimum.  Additionally, it will add these specific gun crimes to the list of serious crimes that are subject to Truth in Sentences guidelines, requiring that offenders serve at least 85 percent of their sentence.

“It is my hope that by implementing these penalty enhancements and having mandatory minimum sentences on the books, prosecutors will have the ability to punish these criminals and hopefully deter them from committing further gun crimes,” Zalewski said.  “I believe that gun safety is a concern not only in my district, but across the state.  I will continue to work on common sense public safety measures that will protect our families and loved ones.”

For more information and updates on House Bill 2265, please contact Sen. Muñoz’s constituent service office at (773) 869-9050 or Rep. Zalewski’s constituent service office at (708) 442-6500.

CHICAGO – Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is encouraging his constituents and people throughout the state to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.  This is a time to recognize and celebrate the legacy of those of Hispanic decent.

“This is the time of the year where we remember, learn more about and celebrate our Hispanic heritage,” Munoz said.
 
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

To learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month or find events throughout the state please visit the Library of Congress Hispanic Heritage Month web page  or the Chicago Public Library for a listing of events.

CHICAGO – Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) co-sponsored legislation that has been signed into law by the governor that will expand the number of people covered under Medicaid.  The new law, part of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, will ensure that thousands of people in Illinois will now have access to quality health care.

“This will ensure that people who earn $15,860 as individuals and couples who earn a combined $21,408 will be able to access health care at an affordable rate,” Munoz said. “This will allow people to receive preventive care, not just emergency care when they become sick.”  
 
Senate Bill 26 will make Medicaid coverage available to adults with annual income below 138 percent of the federal poverty line. Illinois is expected to enroll 342,000 people by 2017. Currently, Medicaid is only available to children, their parents or guardians, adults with disabilities or seniors. Enrollment for the newly eligible population will begin Oct. 1 with coverage starting on Jan. 1.

For more information about Illinois' implementation of the ACA, go to HealthCareReform.illinois.gov.

Senator Tony Munoz (D - Chicago) recently held the 2013 Back to School Family Health Fair, featuring school physicals, vaccines, dental exams, state services and fun activities for children and families.

The event was held in Brighton Park and included free food and music from El Patrón 95.5.

Click here to view photos from the fair.