Today, we are thrilled to be sharing an open letter signed by nearly 200 religious leaders from across Illinois, including leaders of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities, urging state legislators to ensure no one is incarcerated while awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford to pay a certain amount of money. Faith leaders are hosting a press conference this morning over zoom that connects in-person events in Chicago and Rockford as well as remarks delivered digitally from around the state. Watch the full press conference here: www.facebook.com/endmoneybond. 

You can also join the call urging legislators to support ending money bond here.

Legislators have the opportunity to respond to this call with decisive action by passing the Pretrial Fairness Act (SB4205). The bill would ensure no one is incarcerated while awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford to pay a certain amount of money. It was recently filed in the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate by Representative Justin Slaughter and Senator Robert Peters. 
Two days after the clergy press conference, on November 12th at 3pm, we will host a rally in support of the Pretrial Fairness Act as a finale to our statewide Virtual Lobby Day. It will feature addresses from legislators, impacted people, and community leaders, and can be viewed via Facebook livestream at https://www.facebook.com/endmoneybond.