NW Illinois News

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has filed two bills aimed at increasing protections for Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) workers and others safeguarding the state's most vulnerable. As Benjamin Reed, the individual accused of murdering DCFS worker Deirdre Silas in 2022, stands trial today, these legislative efforts are brought into sharper focus.

Leader McCombie’s bills were introduced in response to the murders of two female DCFS workers: Pamela Knight, who was killed in 2017 in Dixon, Illinois while attempting to take a child into protective custody, and Deirdre Silas, who was murdered last year in Sangamon County during a home visit. The proposed legislation, known as the Knight-Silas Acts, aims to prevent future harm to DCFS employees.

“These bills have been a priority for McCombie,” said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. “There is no shortage of issues we must address at DCFS, but ensuring the safety of the employees who work day and night to protect our most vulnerable is the top priority—and my legislation will help make that a reality.”

“Pam Knight and Deidre Silas were killed in the line of duty,” McCombie continued. “More must be done so that tragedies like this don’t continue to happen.”

The House Republican caucus also launched a new podcast this year titled "Capitol Crimes," which explores the stories behind legislation introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives. The first episode features Leader McCombie discussing “The Pam Knight Story” and her efforts to pass laws aimed at better protecting DCFS caseworkers from job-related violence.

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