Speak Out Illinois LLC

09/17/2025

📣 Speak Out Illinois LLC Statement

Illinois’ switch to cashless bail through the SAFE-T Act has now been in place for two years, and a recent report from Central Illinois shows both progress and growing pains. 

Here’s where things stand:
• No known cases of people on pretrial release committing Class X or other serious felonies, though there have been more repeat offenses at the misdemeanor level. 
• More defendants are skipping court dates. Warrant issues are climbing: what used to be about a dozen people is now over 20 on some Mondays. 
• Financial impacts are being felt: courts, law enforcement, and other agencies are seeing fewer funds coming in due to the elimination of cash bonds—and paying for more warrant arrests as a result. 

We believe reform is necessary—but reform without oversight, without learning from what doesn’t work, will leave gaps and risk undermining public trust.

⸻

✅ What should happen next:
1. Strengthen mechanisms to ensure people don’t miss court dates (better reminders, more access to transportation, etc.).
2. Reevaluate what “repeat misdemeanors” should trigger for review or stricter conditions.
3. Provide resources to counties so courts and law enforcement can adapt without bearing unsustainable burdens.
4. Foster open data and transparency so the public sees what’s working—and what isn’t.

⸻

We at Speak Out Illinois stand for a fair, just system that protects individual rights and public safety. Let’s continue this conversation, demand accountability, and push for smart adjustments—not retreat from reform.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.25newsnow.com/2025/09/17/central-illinois-judge-weighs-criminal-justice-after-2-years-cashless-bail/

A judge has some ideas how to improve the SAFE-T-Act

09/10/2025

📢 Official Statement on the Tragic Death of Charlie Kirk

We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of Charlie Kirk’s death, as reported by Fox32 Chicago. While Mr. Kirk was often a controversial figure, no one should lose their life to violence.

Our statement reflects the importance of this moment: violence cannot and must not replace dialogue. Regardless of political differences, this tragedy is a sobering reminder that our nation must recommit itself to peace, compassion, and respect for one another.

Read our full statement here ⬇️
👉 https://www.speakoutillinoisllc.com/press-statement-on-the-tragic-death-of-charlie-kirk

Our thoughts are with Mr. Kirk’s family, loved ones, and all those impacted by this loss.

✊ Together, let us stand against violence in all forms.

It is with deep shock and sadness that we acknowledge the tragic news regarding Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University, as reported by Fox32 Chicago.

09/09/2025

🚨✨ Big News! ✨🚨

We’re excited to announce that our brand new website is now LIVE! 🎉

🌐 Visit us at: www.speakoutillinoisllc.com

Our new site makes it easier than ever to:
✅ Learn about our mission and advocacy work
✅ Explore resources and updates through our blog & video center
✅ Review our guidelines and ways to get involved

This is just the beginning—we’ll continue adding more tools and resources to better serve YOU and our communities across Illinois. 💙

Check it out today and let us know what you think! 👇

👉 www.speakoutillinoisllc.com

09/09/2025

09/03/2025

08/30/2025

📢 Event Cancellation Notice

We regret to inform you that our Know Your Rights: Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation event scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at the Peoria Public Library has been cancelled due to lack of RSVPs and response despite marketing efforts.

We value your time and interest, and we are working to reschedule future “Know Your Rights” sessions with stronger community outreach to ensure greater participation.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Speak Out Illinois LLC. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to learn about your rights.

👉 For updates, please visit our website: www.speakoutillinoisllc.com

— Speak Out Illinois LLC

08/25/2025

For Immediate Release
Speak Out Illinois LLC

“It Shouldn’t Take a Crisis to Call Us In”

Peoria, IL — We do not believe the Peoria Police Department is serious about sustained community safety—not when it took a frightening week around Manual High School for leadership to finally hold a press conference and call on “the men of Peoria” to show up. That message, on its face, is welcome. But it arrives late, after multiple prior moments when the same urgency and organized call-in could—and should—have been issued.

In the past several days, the department acknowledged gunfire near Manual High School and then publicly challenged “the men of Peoria” to form visible lines of support at schools. Yet this isn’t the first time our city has faced violence or high-tension policing incidents. Peoria has seen repeated flashpoints and official statements: school-adjacent gunfire, ongoing safety briefings, and even a recent officer-involved fatal shooting—each instance where a broad, inclusive, citywide call-in to families, faith leaders, barbers, coaches, nonprofits, businesses, and elected officials should have been immediate and coordinated. Issuing that call only now suggests reaction, not strategy.

Let’s be clear: the police cannot do this alone—and the community cannot carry it alone. What’s missing is a united, transparent, and accountable response where the Police Department, City Hall, Peoria Public Schools, county officials, state legislators, and community organizations plan together, speak together, and work from the same playbook. That means scheduled joint briefings (not one-off pressers), shared metrics and timelines, and a published, community-vetted plan that includes prevention, credible-messenger mentoring, trauma-informed supports, safe-passage coverage, and real youth opportunities.

Peoria’s kids deserve consistency, not spikes of attention after headlines. Speak Out Illinois LLC will continue to show up, organize, and partner—while insisting that those with authority move beyond speeches to shared, measurable work. It shouldn’t take a crisis to call us in.



Media Contact:
Speak Out Illinois LLC
[email protected]

08/20/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Immediate Release Date: August 20, 2025 Issued by: Speak Out Illinois LLC This afternoon, tragedy struck Peoria once again. A 15-year-old juven

08/20/2025

📢 Important Update from Speak Out Illinois LLC

Beginning Monday, September 1, 2025, at 12:00 AM CST, Speak Out Illinois LLC will officially discontinue Telephone Support Operations.

Moving forward, we invite you to reach us through the following channels:
✉️ General Inquiries: [email protected]
📅 Event Inquiries: [email protected]
🗂 Administration: [email protected]

💻 You can also connect with us anytime via Live Chat directly on our website: www.speakoutillinoisllc.com

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we transition to these more efficient communication options.

🙏 Thank you for being part of our mission. Together, we are making history and changing lives.

— Speak Out Illinois LLC

08/19/2025

STATEMENT FROM SPEAK OUT ILLINOIS LLC ON CANCELLING PRESS CONFERENCE ON VIOLENCE IN THE RIVERCITY IN PEORIA, ON SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2025.

08/17/2025

📢 Big News for Illinois!

Governor JB Pritzker has officially signed the FAIR Act (Funded Advocacy & Independent Representation) into law!

This landmark legislation represents a huge step forward in ensuring that Illinois residents have stronger access to independent representation and advocacy. The FAIR Act will provide critical funding and protections to empower communities, uphold fairness, and strengthen justice across our state.

At Speak Out Illinois LLC, we celebrate this victory alongside advocates, community leaders, and everyday Illinoisans who raised their voices to make this happen. This law is proof that when we stand together, we can drive real change.

💡 What’s Next:
We’ll continue our mission to educate, empower, and engage the public around laws and policies that impact our daily lives. Stay tuned for upcoming forums and events where we’ll break down what the FAIR Act means for you and your community.

👉 Together, let’s keep pushing for fairness, representation, and justice for all.

—
Speak Out Illinois LLC
Amplifying voices. Driving change.