Networked Knowledge - Media Report

[This edited version of the report has been prepared by Dr Robert N Moles]

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On 29 July 2008 NBC reported“Prosecutors, Defense Object To Governor's Budget Cuts”.

Blagojevich Blames Legislature For Veto

Chicago – It said Gov. Rod Blagojevich's decision to eliminate millions of dollars to fight wrongful convictions is angering both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Lawyers said Tuesday in a state known for sending innocent people to prison, the governor's decision was devastating, NBC5's Alex Perez reported. In an attempt to balance the state budget, Blagojevich is vetoing more than $2 million in proposed increases that would fund groups that fight to clear those who have been wrongfully convicted. Blagojevich blamed Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and the Illinois House.

"They wrote a check that they knew was going to bounce, and didn't provide the money," Blagojevich said at a news conference. The governor's veto keeps funding for wrongful conviction programs at last year's levels, Perez reported. Blagojevich has scheduled a meeting with legislators Thursday to discuss balancing the budget. Northwestern University's Center on Wrongful Conviction, which is privately funded, tracks and works to free those who have been wrongfully jailed, Perez reported. More than 100 people have been exonerated in Illinois' history. The center's executive director, Rob Warden said many innocent people cold remain in jail without more money. "These programs I think in general are pretty effective dollar-for-dollar," Warden said. "Dollars relate directly to the number of cases that they can investigate."

One man, Johnnie Savory who is fighting for exoneration after being paroled in 2006 after being charged in a double-slaying in 1977, said though the funding will be kept at last year's levels, it was not enough. "It's better that 10 guilty (people) go free than one innocent person be put in prison," he said.

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