Media Advisory: Call for passage of
SJR 9

April 26, 2007

Contact: Larry Golden, 217/553-7171, lgold1@uis.edu
or Kathy Saltmarsh, 217/816-2928, Kathryn.Saltmarsh@OSAD.state.il.us

What: Legislative sponsors of SJR 9, which calls for a study of exonerations in non-capital cases and which they hope will lead to the creation of a state Innocence Commission, will hold a news conference to discuss the proposed resolution.

When: 1:30 p.m., today, Thursday, April 26

Where: Statehouse Press Room

Details: Illinois is the site of the nation's 200th DNA exoneration in a non-capital case and has had a total of 27 exonerations to date.

SJR 9 resulted from discussions of a working group that included representatives of the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

The resolution is sponsored by House Majority Leader Art Turner, Sen. Mattie Hunter, and Rep. Paul Froehlich – all of whom will attend the news conference, as will Downstate Innocence Project Co-Director Larry Golden.

Rep. Mary Flowers and Rep LaShawn Ford, who are co-sponsoring the resolution in the House, are also expected to be present.

The University of Illinois at Springfield, one of three U of I campuses, is a small, public liberal arts university that offers 42 degree programs: 21 bachelor's, 20 master's, and the Doctorate of Public Administration. UIS has a special mission in public affairs and service and is known for extraordinary internships, a wireless campus, extensive online offerings, and a commitment to teaching.