ISDC

Lightford celebrates unveiling of Children’s Adversity Index to measure exposure to childhood trauma

Koehler law reforms pharmacy benefit manager practices

Illinois Senate Democrats highlight the significance of celebrating Juneteenth

Sims: FY 26 budget invests in the whole person

Sims: FY 26 budget is a reflection of our priorities and the uncertainty we face

Senate approves Glowiak Hilton’s plan to invest in child care for first responders

Details: Friday, April 08, 2022 04:48 PM

Senator Glowiak Hilton

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate adopted a plan by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) to invest in child care services for workers with non-traditional schedules, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and more.

“Finding reliable child care can be difficult for first responders and other third shift emergency workers,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By creating the Off-hours Child Care Program Fund, Illinois is working to increase accessibility for parents in public service who work non-traditional hours.”

Under Glowiak Hilton’s proposal, the Department of Human Services would be required to establish and administer an Off-Hours Child Care Program to assist first responders and other workers with access to off-hours, night, or sleep time child care. The program is subject to appropriation.

Belt-supported measure to uplift crime victims passes Senate

Details: Friday, April 08, 2022 12:05 PM

SPRINGFIELD – To address the increase in crime across Illinois, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) supported a measure that passed the Senate that would create a pilot program for the East St. Louis Police Department to provide essential resources and assistance to victims.

“Crime is a real issue across Illinois,” Belt said. “No matter the crime, every victim deserves the respect and support after a trauma.”

House Bill 4736, a measure Belt is co-sponsoring, would create the Co-Responder Pilot Program in the East St. Louis Police Department in the 57^th Senate District. The unit’s primary focus would be providing crisis intervention, case management, advocacy and ongoing emotional support to victims of all crimes, particularly to victims of crimes that cause a high level of trauma.

Koehler-backed measure will bring pilot program offering support for crime survivors to Peoria

Details: Friday, April 08, 2022 10:23 AM

Senator Koehler

SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, the Illinois Senate advanced a measure backed by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to establish the Co-Responder Pilot Program in an effort to offer crisis management and emotional support to victims of crime.

“As we work to prevent crime and address its root causes, we need to make sure we’re also minimizing harm and trauma in situations where crime has already occurred,” Koehler said. “The Co-Responder program offers a helping hand to survivors when it comes to locating and accessing important resources in the days and weeks following an incident.”

Under House Bill 4736, police departments in Peoria, East St. Louis, Springfield and Waukegan would be required to establish a co-responder unit of social workers responsible for conducting follow-up visits for victims who may benefit from mental or behavioral health services, connecting survivors with appropriate services, and providing other necessary assistance.

Peters measure to empower crime survivors advances

Details: Friday, April 08, 2022 09:54 AM

SPRINGFIELD – Crime survivors will soon have a new voice in public safety policy making thanks to the efforts of State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“I fundamentally believe that public safety must belong to the people,” Peters said. “This measure will center crime survivors and put them at the center of the conversation without fear of repercussion.”

House Bill 4736, which would help invest in community-centered public safety by creating a Crime Reduction Task Force to develop and propose ways to reduce crime across the state. The Crime Reduction Task Force would be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors. The measure would also establish a co-responder pilot program.

Follow ILSenDems

Member News

Johnson honored with amphitheater naming in Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE – In recognition of her unwavering dedication to public service and community advancement, State Senator Adriane Johnson will be honored with the naming of the amphitheater at Mike Rylko Community Park in Buffalo Grove. “I am deeply humb...

Read more...
Faraci applauds Vermilion Advantage awarded grant for economic recovery and resiliency planning

DANVILLE – State Senator Paul Faraci is pleased to announce that Vermilion Advantage has been awarded $80,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Local Technical Assistance program. “As a strong partner in Verm...

Read more...
Guzmán measure to protect right to collective bargaining in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — As a union organizer and strong protector of worker’s rights, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is proud to advance legislation that would further protect working Illinoisans, and their right to collective bargaining. “Laborers in Chicago la...

Read more...
Simmons Passes Bill through Senate to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety

SPRINGFIELD – To provide the safest conditions possible for cyclists, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to update sign requirements on bike trails where there are known hazards. “Improved signage around pathway hazards or emergencies is...

Read more...
Porfirio recognizes Emmett Till Day, welcomes relatives of Till to the Capitol

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio welcomed relatives of Emmett Till to the Illinois Capitol in honor of the declaration of Emmett Till Day. “On Emmett Till Day, we mourn the loss of Emmett and recognize the significance his death played in th...

Read more...