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State’s Attorney’s office launches military option diversion program
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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin recently announced that his office had launched a new initiative aimed at helping youthful offenders charged with minor crimes who have a desire to serve in the military. The initiative will allow participants the opportunity to keep a conviction from being permanently entered on their record, which may preclude them from military service. “I am very excited about facilitating this military option that will divert certain cases from the regular Court call and help qualified applicants with a desire to serve our country from having a criminal record,” Berlin said. Once a month recruiters from the
Navy, Marines and Army will set up a kiosk on the fourth floor of the courthouse. From there, the recruiters will be available to meet with potential participants and conduct a pre-screening to verify their ability to join the service. In instances where the only impediment to enlistment is a minor criminal offense, the State’s Attorney’s Office will review the applicant’s case and deter-
mine if the case can be disposed of in an appropriate manner that will allow for enlistment. In such cases, enlistment into service will be verified. The program is available to first-time, non-violent offenders. “The initiative is a win, win,” Berlin said. “First, it will provide participants the opportunity to avoid a criminal prosecution and begin what promises to be a more productive chapter in their lives by serving their country. In addition, offering participants a chance to avoid getting tangled up in the criminal justice system will not only reduce crime, it will allow my Assistants more time to concentrate their efforts on going after more violent criminals.”
The Legislative Advisory Council created by State Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) and State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) presented updates on Illinois’ stopgap budget at a meeting Monday, July 18 at the Elmhurst Public Library. Council members evaluated recent budget action in Springfield. More than 30 people attended the meeting. “This is not the budget we hoped for, but it serves as a bridge to ongoing negotiations, and addresses our immediate priorities,” Sen. Nybo said. “It funds K-12 schools for a full year, but does not bail out
Chicago at the expense of the suburbs. It funds human services programs and transportation projects for which we get federal support.” Nybo’s interns Meredith Cantey (University of Indiana), Amanda Nero (University of Missouri), Tom Pancione (Hinsdale Central senior) and Jenny Marten (St. Ambrose College, Iowa) and Rep. Breen’s intern Breanna Miller (University of Illinois) each prepared a summary of one of the bills that comprised the stopgap budget agreement. Nybo and Breen also gave their perspectives on the issue and an-
swered questions about the stopgap budget. “Our work is not done,” he said. “We need a balanced budget supported by critical reforms to make our economy more competitive, our government more responsible, and our property taxes less onerous.” “I’m grateful for the local residents who serve on our legislative advisory committee,” said Breen. “They provide us a sounding board for new ideas, and they perform valuable research and analysis of bills and proposals to address the problems facing our state.”
The initiative is a win, win.” – Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney
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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016
Thunder reign
Senators’ Advisory Council discusses stopgap budget
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SUBMITTED PHOTO Villa Park Independent
Caroline Dooley, an eighth grader at Jefferson Middle School, shows off the plaque her travel softball team ‘Windy City Thunder’ 12U earned at the Evansville, Indiana NSA B 2016 Fastpitch World Series national tournament. Dooley, who pitches and plays second base and left field, helped lead the Thunder to 4th place out of a field of 62.
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