IL Jewish Caucus Helps Pass Budget-Secures Funds to Protect Nonprofits

Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus Helps Pass Balanced Budget, Secures Funding to Protect Houses of Worship from Terrorism

Springfield, IL – As part of their efforts to pass a fiscally-responsible state budget that prioritizes providing resources to public safety initiatives, the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus (ILJC) secured $20 million in new funds for the Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSPG), which provides resources to non-profits that are at high risk of terrorist attacks.

“Over the past few years, we have seen an alarming rise in the number of crimes targeting minority communities in their houses of worship,” Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Highwood, said. “No one, regardless of their background, should be made to feel unsafe, and investing in the Non-Profit Security Grant Program is an important step toward that goal.”

In response to the rise in attacks targeting religious, ethnic, and racial minorities in communities across the state, the ILJC worked to include $20 million in funding for the NSPG in the state’s budget. The NSPG provides grants to non-profit organizations, including houses of worship, to keep them protected by purchasing equipment such as bulletproof glass and reinforced doors, offering safety training and planning for staff, and even hiring security professionals.

“Today’s action brings needed investment to communities looking to protect themselves,” said Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago. “This funding is the result of vulnerable communities across our state joining together and keeping each other safe. Not only will this help to save the lives of Jews who have faced devastating attacks in recent years, but of people of all different backgrounds across our state.”

“With many Illinoisans facing increased threats of violence due to bigotry, we must do everything in our power to provide the necessary tools to keep everyone safe,” said Sen. Ram Villivalam. “We cannot allow those who are blinded by their hate to intimidate residents and make them live in fear. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow ILJC members to stamp out hatred and keep Illinois a welcoming home for all people.”

The ILJC includes state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago; Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview; Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Highwood; Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago; Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook; Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago; Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago; Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove; Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston; Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview; Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago; Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin; Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Highwood; Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback, D-Skokie; and Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Round Lake Beach.

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