Democrats Approve Controversial Pritzker Appointments Despite Serious Concerns

During the fall Veto Session, two controversial appointments came before the Senate for approval, drawing criticism over the Governor's continued pattern of questionable nominations.

The first appointee that came before the Senate for consideration was Carmen Terrones, a current serving member on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Terrones has faced backlash for her votes to release several violent offenders, including a man who murdered his 16-year-old stepson and another who raped his 5-year-old cousin. Senate Republicans argued that her record shows a blatant disregard for public safety and the rights of victims. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board is responsible for deciding whether individuals, often convicted of serious crimes, should be granted release.

The second appointee, Latoya Hughes, has been serving as acting director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Hughes has been widely criticized for her failure to address ongoing safety concerns within the state's prison system, including multiple drug exposure incidents that resulted in hospitalizations. Senate Republicans, who have been vocal about the need to bring reform measures to IDOC facilities, say Hughes has failed to implement basic safety measures to protect staff and inmates.

Senate Republicans, who has criticized the Governor's pattern of unqualified appointments, said these two nominations highlight what is wrong with the process. Illinois needs appointees who take seriously their responsibility to protect the public and uphold safety within state agencies, not individuals who have failed to act or been allowed to serve without proper vetting for years.