PUBLIC SAFETY RALLY PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER 13 AT NOON – 421 N. COUNTY FARM ROAD

WHEATON – With the DuPage County criminal justice system facing a severe budget crisis, State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett today urged all County elected officials, other local officials as well as citizens concerned about public safety to participate in a rally to place a public safety tax referendum on the February 5 primary ballot.  The rally will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at noon in the county complex courtyard in front of the Jack T. Knuepfer Administration Building, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.

            “People choose to live in DuPage County for two reasons - safe communities and good schools,” commented Birkett.  “One does not happen without the other and the criminal justice system is at the centerpiece of each.  This year’s proposed budget significantly reduces the funding for the Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Circuit Court Clerk, Coroner and court services – including Probation and the Public Defender.  These reductions are in addition to severe cuts imposed last year.  We can not allow these cuts to happen.  If the proposed budget is imposed, it will have a drastic effect on public safety in our county.  I am in full support of a ¼ percent public safety sales tax and I call on other elected officials to endorse this important safety measure.  This new tax will generate approximately $32 million annually to help fund the law enforcement and criminal justice systems in DuPage County.”

            Birkett will be joined at the rally by other municipal and county elected officials, state legislators, police and fire chiefs as well as representatives of victims’ rights groups