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

Morrison law provides youth in DCFS care with greater transition support

Details: Monday, May 16, 2022 10:32 AM

SPRINGFIELD – House Bill 5418, passed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and signed into law Friday, will give children access to intervention and counseling services within the first 24 hours after removal from a home and require the DCFS division of child protection to assess a child’s wellbeing each month.

“Being removed from your home at a young age is an anguishing experience,” Morrison said. “We must provide these children with the support they need immediately.”

As youth in care grow older and the time comes for them to live on their own, this law requires DCFS to ensure they receive classes and instructions on independent living and self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, finances, meals and housing.

Morrison brings more equality of access to the ballot box

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 09:27 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Following through on her commitment to provide greater accessibility for all Illinois voters, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a newly signed law to allow people with certain disabilities to electronically mark their ballots using their own assistive technology.

“While we have expanded vote by mail in many ways, we have yet to provide the same opportunities to voters who cannot read print because of a visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive or learning disability,” Morrison said. “Equal access at the voting box is a keystone to our democracy. The inclusion of this process into state law will provide safe, private and equal voting opportunities for voters.”

The law will allow voters with a print disability to receive and mark their ballot electronically on an assistive device. It will be printed, sealed and signed before being returned through the mail. The voting procedure will be in place for the November 2022 General Election, and all subsequent elections.

Correctional officers, deputies get a victory under new law

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 09:11 PM

SPRINGFIELD – To help correctional officers and deputy sheriffs utilize their training for secondary employment, a new law sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham will allow correctional officers and deputy sheriffs to carry a firearm off duty.

“Our law enforcement officers are overworked and underpaid,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “The ability to utilize peace officer training in secondary employment will help them financially and protect businesses in our community.”

Under current law, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standard’s Board excludes correctional officers and deputy sheriffs from benefits and protections under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. While federal law deems all correctional officers and deputy sheriffs as qualified law enforcement officers, Illinois is the only state that undercuts these federal protections.

Loughran Cappel law waives substitute teaching licenses

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 08:52 PM

SPRINGFIELD – A newly signed law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will waive application fees for short-term substitute teaching licenses.

“Over the past two years, every school across the state has had days when they have been unable to find substitute teachers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have a responsibility to do all we can to ensure our students have access to teachers, and this new law will get teachers in the classroom.”

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, there are more than 4,000 unfilled positions in schools. In an attempt to address the void, Loughran Cappel’s plan will waive the application fee for short-term substitute teaching licensees when the governor declares a disaster due to a public health emergency.

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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...

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

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Guzmán measure to protect right to collective bargaining in Illinois

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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...

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