Ryan's spending package also earmarks $1 million to continue processing statewide DNA cases. Additionally, $1 million is requested to prepare for new legislative requirements passed last spring that increase the number of criminal offenses for which DNA samples must be collected and placed in the DNA database.
 

"This budget will guarantee the state police have the personnel and resources to continue to provide the high level of policing and patrolling services expected by the citizens of our state," the Governor said. "Additionally, the budget supports state police forensic laboratory efforts to continue to help link criminals to their crimes through DNA analysis -- arguably one of the most important crime-solving techniques modern science has developed."
 

Another highlight of the budget is $500,000 to launch a "15-20-Life" public awareness campaign which sends the message that the punishment for using a gun to commit a crime in Illinois is appropriately harsh.
 

This budget provides funding for the Department to continue to make a significant contribution to keeping the streets and highways of Illinois as safe as they can be. It will enable us to carry out our law enforcement and crime fighting mission," said Illinois State Police Director Sam W. Nolen.