CHICAGO (CBS) – Mayor Emanuel joined Superintendent Garry McCarthy and State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez in proposing higher and certain mandatory jail time for violent gun crimes.

The mayor says he welcomes this week’s visit from President Barack Obama even though it highlights continuing violence in Chicago.

“The worst thing would be to say let’s not discuss this, because if we, Chicago, can actually lead the way to commonsense gun laws, commonsense enforcement, and an honest discussion about morally anchoring our young men into an affirmative view of themselves and their future, I am proud Chicago will lead that way,” said Emanuel.

The mayor says the causes and solutions are multidimensional.

According a release from the mayor’s office, the legislation would: Increase the penalty for felons who carry guns, from two years to three years, with subsequent offenses requiring a minimum of five years; increase the minimum sentence for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon when the offender does not possess a valid FOID card and the gun is in their possession and loaded, from one year minimum to three years minimum; add these specific gun crimes to the list of serious crimes that are subject to Truth in Sentences guidelines, requiring that offenders serve at least 85 percent of their sentence.

The release also said that the State’s Attorney has issued a directive to all Assistant State’s
Attorneys to pursue the maximum possible sentence on gun crimes until the legislation is passed.