Meek Mill and Governor Pritzker, are making change in Chicago.
The artist turned philanthropist and Governor signed a new law taking effect on January 1st of 2024.
It addresses issues around 100,000’s of people on probation, parole, or mandatory supervised release. The goal of the law renders the amount of returns to jail, saving taxpayers pockets as well. In Illinois many detainee’s return to prison within three years. Some due to non-criminal technical violations, such as missing a meeting with a probation officer.
“It’s a milestone in my life. When I started making music, I was just trying to make it out of the ghetto,” stated Mill’s. “But to be able to be part of something that changes bills and laws, that actually effects me and my people, it’s my legacy. Before all I had was music and I helped inspire a lot of people, get them through a lot of times. But now, I have something real that I actually can say I do besides get my momma out the hood. I help change laws and get people out of prison that don’t belong in prison,” Meek Mill said.
According to the Illinois.gov website, the new, evidence-based provisions will create a more transparent supervision system that will lower recidivism. As well as, support communities, and reduce supervisor caseloads to better serve the individuals most at risk while still holding individuals responsible.
