Women of the Illinois Senate participate in lifesaving CPR training

Springfield — Members of the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus are preparing themselves to make a lifesaving difference within their communities after participating in a Hands-Only CPR training course led by Illinois Heart Rescue and the American Heart Association on Thursday.

Organized by the bipartisan group of women senators, the training allowed all members of the Illinois Senate a convenient opportunity to learn how to perform Hands-Only CPR and the importance of knowing this lifesaving treatment.

“February is American Heart Month, National Wear Red Day was Feb. 3, and we celebrated #GoRedDay at the Capitol on Feb. 14. What better way to promote women’s heart health than to participate in Hands-Only CPR training, which I first learned about when portable defibrillators started to become available in public buildings,” said State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). “So today, members of the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus, other senators and legislative staff took time to learn Hands-Only CPR, which can make a tremendous difference in saving a life during an emergency.”

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Senators Pacione-Zayas, Simmons raise awareness for tipped workers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Mike Simmons – along with the One Fair Wage advocacy group – held a press conference Wednesday to outline their plan to give tipped employees across the state more financial stability.

“If you are paid as a tipped worker in Illinois, and earn a “subminimum wage,” you can leave your shift unable to pay for a single meal you served to customers that night,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Restaurant workers are essential to our society, and deserve a living wage. I am proud to lead legislation to end subminimum wages in Illinois, and ensure all workers are granted the dignity of being justly paid for their labor.”

Since the start of the pandemic, an estimated 27,000 Illinois restaurant workers have left the industry. In a recent survey, 53% of those who remain in the Illinois restaurant industry reported that they were considering leaving and 84% stated that the only thing that will make them stay or return to working in restaurants is a full livable wage in addition to the tips they receive.

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Senator Mike Porfirio introduces measure to expand Illinois Veterans Grant Program

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mike Porfirio has introduced Senate Bill 2422, aimed at increasing the eligibility requirements for the Illinois Veterans Grant Program.

The proposed legislation would revise the eligibility requirements for the grant program, allowing for a wider range of individuals to access it and receive educational assistance.  

"Illinois has a long and proud history of supporting our veterans and military personnel," said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “As a veteran myself, I am proud to be a voice for other veterans in our state.”

The expanded eligibility will incentivize those who left Illinois to serve their country to return to their home state while adding eligibility to those who come to Illinois to serve to stay here.

Read more: Senator Mike Porfirio introduces measure to expand Illinois Veterans Grant Program

Senator Halpin advances measure to combat human trafficking

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure through the Senate State Government Committee which will require lodging establishments in Illinois to provide Human Trafficking Recognition Training (HTRT) to their employees in order to receive state and local funds.

"Human trafficking is a terrible crime that destroys lives and tears apart families," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "We have a responsibility to do everything we can to combat this heinous practice and ensure that our state is a safe and welcoming place for all people.”

The legislation aims to combat human trafficking in Illinois by ensuring that employees of lodging establishments are trained to recognize and report signs of human trafficking. By making HTRT a requirement for lodging establishments to receive state and local funds, the bill will create a strong incentive for businesses to invest in training their employees and help prevent human trafficking from occurring in Illinois.

Read more: Senator Halpin advances measure to combat human trafficking