Governor’s budget proposal strives to safeguard communities, places of worship

With hate crimes at their highest level in over a decade, JUF has spearheaded the Safeguard Illinois Communities Coalition–a diverse group of 50 nonprofit cultural, civil, religious, racial, and ethnic organizations committed to including security funding in this year’s state budget.

The Coalition’s membership includes Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Asian-American, LGBTQ, Black, and Latinx institutions, allies, and other organizations whose communities are vulnerable to attacks and hate-motivated violence.

In February, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a $20 million appropriation in his FY 2023 budget proposal to support the Coalition’s efforts to safeguard vulnerable houses of worship and community nonprofits.

Illinois lawmakers created a state-level Nonprofit Security Grant Program back in 2017, but only now is it receiving a funding appropriation. The program–which supplements the federal version of the program–is designed to protect nonprofit organizations against acts of hate and extremism by purchasing security enhancements, such as cameras, bulletproof glass and reinforced doors; offering safety training to staff; and, under certain circumstances, retaining contract security professionals.

State Rep. Bob Morgan and State Sen. Ram Villivalam filed funding bills early in the legislative session. The Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes and the Illinois Legislative Jewish, Asian American, Black, and Latino Caucuses all endorsed the bills.

“This program will help ensure our communities are safe when attending prayers or communal meetings, sending our children to camp or childcare, and seeking services from social service and health care providers,” Morgan said.

JUF’s Government Affairs team recently surveyed the Coalition members to understand security concerns and funding challenges, and will continue to make recommendations to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency on the final program structure.

“The January 15 hostage-taking at a Colleyville, Texas synagogue, combined with the spike in hate crimes laid bare by [recent] events in West Rogers Park, underscores the unfortunate reality that our community institutions must continue to prioritize security and security training,” said JUF President Lonnie Nasatir. “Our coalition of faith and community-based groups appreciate the governor’s commitment to include this vital funding in our state’s budget.”

Amy Zimmerman is JUF Assistant Vice President, State Government Affairs, and Jared Hoffman is a JUF Public Affairs Intern.