Gov to unveil $150 million anti-violence plan today

'A PIPE DREAM' | Proposal's funding sources dubious, legislator says

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Blagojevich is proposing a $150 million anti-violence initiative that would provide new state dollars for more teen jobs, after-school programs and community grants in high-crime areas.

The initiative, dubbed Community Investment Works, represents the governor's first tangible response to the wave of shootings in the city that have left 24 Chicago Public School students murdered this school year.

"We have to take action now," Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said. "That's why the governor has reached out to organizations in the communities that have been impacted the most to find out how the state can help give young people hope and an opportunity to grow up in a safe community."

The plan, which the governor plans to unveil today, would allot $30 million to a youth jobs program for 20,000 young adults and $20 million for programming when school isn't in session.

Another $100 million targeting high-crime and economically distressed areas would be split between grants for community-based organizations to acquire vacant buildings or lots, seed money for a job-producing businesses and community groups and grants to police departments for equipment purchases.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina's Church and an anti-violence advocate briefed on the plan, said the most important components deal with teen jobs and after-school programming.

"The opportunity for jobs and the opportunity for programs and activities for young people could make a major impact on the violence," Pfleger said.

But the proposal faces an iffy future. Its funding sources haven't been embraced by lawmakers.

Rep. Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago) said it is built upon wobbly funding sources like leasing the lottery and a state capital deal.

"To say we'll do it through these two options, neither of which is close to being finished or realistic, is very misleading to the people of the state of Illinois," Mendoza said. "Right now, it's a pipe dream."