SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter and State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday to advocate for increased safeguards for SNAP benefits.

“By changing from a swipe to a tap, we are ensuring fraudulent transactions from skimmers are less likely to happen and that benefits are protected,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This is one action that can lead to big savings and less fraud in Illinois social services.”

At the press conference, Hunter and Simmons outlined Senate Bill 3266, which would require the Illinois Department of Human Services to implement the use of chip-enabled cards for electronic benefit systems. In 2024, over 89,000 fraudulent transactions involving SNAP benefits were reported to IDHS. By making this change, the measure would allow SNAP participants using EBT cards to use chip readers in their transactions.

SPRINGFILED — Alongside advocates and colleagues, State Senator Julie Morrison hosted a press conference Wednesday highlighting legislation she is spearheading that would provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices – bolstering treatment and diagnostic access for those suffering from seizure disorders.

“These disorders can greatly affect one’s quality of life – limiting their ability to drive, requiring additional assistance and becoming a financial strain, in addition to living with the disorder itself,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Expanding access to these devices is a critical step to ensuring longer, healthier lives.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure that would modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

“This program allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money in tax-advantaged accounts to pay for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We have obligations to empower residents with disabilities, to commit ourselves to inclusion and to support those most in need, and improving how we advertise this service would help us fulfill those obligations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday with Senate colleagues to champion legislation he has filed to protect SNAP recipients from fraud as well as regulate payday advance services.

“My colleagues and I are determined to pass legislation that protects SNAP recipients,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The Trump administration has slashed federal support for SNAP, which puts more people at risk of going hungry and not being able to feed their families. Illinois needs to take action to protect SNAP from fraud and prevent further hardship.”

 SPRINGFIELD – With nearly one in 10 Americans lacking health insurance coverage according to the U.S. Census Bureau, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation to ensure Illinois residents are not locked out of coverage due to past-due premium payments.

“Health care coverage shouldn’t be out of reach for someone simply because they’ve fallen behind on a previous payment,” said Ellman. “This legislation is about protecting access to care and making sure families can get insured when they need it most.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters.

“When families are rebuilding after a fire or storm, they can be susceptible to high pressure tactics,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “You get these storm chasers who promise the world and pressure homeowners to sign contracts on the spot.”

SPRINGFIELD – School policies protecting access to service animals for students with disabilities could be strengthened under a proposal led by State Senator Doris Turner that aims to support all students, no matter their needs.

“As we continue to equip our students with resources and support in the classroom, we need to make sure they don’t face setbacks because of a lack of understanding or awareness of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have a responsibility to make sure all students feel welcome at school.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would ban the use of AI tools in teacher evaluations.

“A teacher may get a bad performance review, just to find out that it was AI that gave them the bad review with no way to challenge the outcome,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I think we can all agree that there’s nuance in the classroom, and we shouldn’t dehumanize it.”