Law enforcement, local leaders gather for luncheon

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie recently held a successful law enforcement luncheon in her 89^th District, which brought together area lawmakers and local Sheriffs, Chiefs and State police to discuss the issues they face in Illinois.

The event drew 75 participants for the discussion-based event, which focused on the larger issue of public safety.

Leader McCombie gave an update to the group about legislative issues that will impact law enforcement and encouraged the participants to reach out to her office should issues come up in the legislature she should be aware of.

Law enforcement took this event as an opportunity to bring concerns to the lawmakers in attendance, which also included State Representatives John Cabello (Machesney Park), Jeff Keicher (Sycamore), Bradley Fritts (Dixon), Joe Sosnowski (Rockford), and State Senator Andrew Chesney (Freeport).

McCombie has been a fierce advocate for public safety in the Illinois House and started the legislative year by forming a working group focused on improving the state’s faulted SAFE-T Act, which was hastily pushed through the legislature and consequently amended four different times.

McCombie has worked with House Republicans and the public safety working group to find ways to improve the law while also supporting law enforcement.

Leader McCombie’s event is just one of dozens that House Republicans have hosted across the state, to maintain ongoing discussions with law enforcement and work toward greater public safety.

“I am proud to have great relationships with area law enforcement,” said McCombie. “It is vital as a lawmaker to make sure our law enforcement officers know we have their backs in Springfield and keep the conversation going as to how we can continue to support them while improving our state.”

McCombie will be back in Springfield for the new legislative year starting Jan. 16.