Elected officials oppose forcing ex-felons to pay for jail time; State claims move will raise $14 million a year

A number of elected officials Tuesday voiced outrage over a state bill that will allow the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to force ex-felons to pay for their incarceration--a plan that will raise $14 million a year for the state.

IDOC would reportedly use an "aggressive" collection agency to force ex-felons to pay for their past incarceration, and the plan would be a part of parole approval.

The program was first revealed by Rep. Monique D. Davis (D-27th), but, it was denounced by Alds. Ike Carothers (29th), Walter Burnett (27th), Ed H. Smith (28th), Freddrenna Lyle (6th), and Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-7th) who said it will only increase the already high recidivism …