Metro East Sun

State Representative Charlie Meier, alongside Representatives David Friess and Bill Hauter, has raised concerns about harmful substances entering Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities. They have requested a hearing to address these issues, which they claim has been ignored.

"We should be taking every step necessary to protect our prison workers and inmates," stated Rep. Meier. He suggested pausing the physical mail process as it might be part of the problem. "Our constituents who work in these facilities are telling us that part of the problem is physical mail."

Meier addressed IDOC Acting Director Latoya Hughes, urging her to join him at one of the affected facilities to examine the mail together. "If she is confident that the drugs are coming in elsewhere, she should have no problem doing this with me," he said. Meier emphasized the importance of holding a committee hearing before Hughes' confirmation as Director.

The issue affects not only prison workers and inmates but also healthcare workers, family members, and others when exposure occurs. "At the end of the day, no matter how these drugs and substances are entering our facilities, we need answers and solutions," Meier added.