ST. CHARLES – State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) issued the following statement in response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s order that stays the end of cash bail contained in the controversial SAFE-T Act pending its review of the Kankakee County Circuit judge’s ruling from last week:
“I am encouraged by the Illinois Supreme Court order staying the end of cash bail. This is a welcome bit of news, as chaos was likely to ensue across the state due to the confusing patchwork of counties that would have had cash bail or not.
“However, no matter what the outcome of the case, there is a way to accomplish the goals of the advocates of pretrial reform without eliminating cash bail. I have been advocating for it for over two years now. I asked supporters of the SAFE-T Act to work with Republicans on this law to enact reforms which keep the public safe and also take into consideration the rights of the accused. I ask supporters of the SAFE-T Act to consider the rights of all, including those of victims, and keeping the public safe.”