Illinois abolished its system of parole in 1978. Since then, the number of elderly people and people serving extreme sentences in Illinois has exploded. 13 percent of people incarcerated in Illinois prisons have served at least 20 years. There are nearly 6,500 people over the age of 50 in Illinois prisons. There is a mountain of evidence that shows extreme sentences do not improve public safety:

• We know that lengthy sentences do not effectively deter criminal behavior.

• We know that most people age out of criminal behavior.

• We know that the elderly are the most expensive population to incarcerate and least likely to recidivate.

Illinois must create a meaningful opportunity for a second look to give incarcerated individuals hope and a real opportunity for release. Urge the Illinois legislature to pass HB 3373 & SB 2129 and ensure that people in Illinois prisons have a chance for freedom after serving 20 years.