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Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Belt law helps tackle increasing number of food deserts
Belt law helps tackle increasing number of food deserts
Lakesia Collins sworn in as new state senator for the 5th District
Lakesia Collins sworn in as new state senator for the 5th District
Harmon applauds Illinois Supreme Court ruling upholding state assault weapons ban
Harmon applauds Illinois Supreme Court ruling upholding state assault weapons ban

Morrison commends third-party look to improve DCFS procedures

Details
Monday, September 11, 2023 09:49 AM

052423CM0941SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her commitment to advancing the safety of children and families across the state, State Senator Julie Morrison supported a new online data dashboard being implemented by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to foster enhanced transparency and accountability from the agency.

“An independent, third-party look into the organization and structure of DCFS is long overdue," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We owe it to the children served in this long-troubled agency to take a serious look at how the agency can improve.”

The new Illinois Child Welfare Insights Tool ensures advocates and families are given access to near real-time information on the number of reports of abuse and neglect filed and responded to by the agency, percentages of youth under the care of agency medical teams and development programs, and reports covering the frequency of caseworkers meeting with families served by the department.

DCFS is also collaborating with the University of Kentucky and leaders at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to conduct a focused study of the department’s Child Protection Services. The study is intended to improve the department’s framework by conducting a thorough systems review of child protection operations and developing a report that provides critical findings and recommendations for advancement.

Read more: Morrison commends third-party look to improve DCFS procedures

Senate Democrats celebrate $2 billion EV battery manufacturing plant coming to Kankakee County

Details
Friday, September 08, 2023 02:45 PM

MANTENO – Senate Democrats joined company leaders and local and state officials Friday to announce Gotion’s historic decision to locate its new $2 billion electric vehicle lithium battery manufacturing plant in Manteno, representing a significant step forward in strengthening the EV supply chain and creating more than 2,600 new, good-paying jobs in Kankakee County.

“The legislature and governor have worked diligently to create a stable, predictable economic climate in which business can thrive,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Our partnership with Gotion is possible thanks to years of hard work and investment. Illinois is one of the best places in the world to do business.”

Bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles Illinois incentive package and the new Invest in Illinois fund, Gotion’s new state-of-the-art EV battery plant will help strengthen the supply chain and meet the growing demand for batteries in the EV sector across North America. The facility will focus on lithium-ion battery cell, battery pack production and energy storage system integration. Once completed, the facility in Manteno is expected to produce 10 GWh of lithium-ion battery packs and 40 GWh of lithium-ion battery cells.

Read more: Senate Democrats celebrate $2 billion EV battery manufacturing plant coming to Kankakee County

Senate Latino Caucus joins call for federal government to expand work authorizations for asylum seekers

Details
Thursday, August 31, 2023 12:12 PM

Sens. Villanueva, Castro and CervantesCHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (Senate) joined the call from business and industry partners, including the Illinois Restaurant Association and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to streamline work authorizations for eligible asylum seekers who are ready and eager to work in Illinois.

“I am proud that in Illinois, we step up for those in need and live out our values as a welcoming state,” said joint Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I am happy to see Senator Durbin fighting for this much-needed measure to provide our new neighbors with the resources they need to support themselves and their families.”

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin joined Illinois’ congressional delegation, alongside Governor JB Pritzker and industry partners Wednesday, to urge the Department of Homeland Security to use its authority to streamline the work authorization process for new arrivals and undocumented immigrants. If granted, states could be allowed to sponsor asylum seekers for employment in industries facing labor shortages such as hospitality and manufacturing.

“Sustainable job opportunities are available in every corner of our state with folks who are ready to work and contribute to our economy,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “When people can provide for themselves and their families, everyone wins. I echo my colleagues’ calls for this process to begin so that those seeking asylum finally have this opportunity.”

Read more: Senate Latino Caucus joins call for federal government to expand work authorizations for asylum...

Joyce celebrates reopening of Kankakee River State Park’s Chippewa campground

Details
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 09:14 AM

Sen. Patrick Joyce at Kankakee River State Park's Chippewa Campground

KANKAKEE — State Senator Patrick Joyce recently joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to announce the reopening of the popular Chippewa campground, located in Kankakee River State Park.

“I have always been an advocate for outdoor recreation and activities, so it is amazing to finally see this campsite open back up,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We are thrilled to welcome people back to Chippewa. After being closed for some time, we can now ensure a safe and enjoyable space where families and campers can go to spend time outdoors.”

The Chippewa campground closed at the end of the fall 2015 camping season after a pump broke in the 1,700-foot well that serves the campground. The well provides water for drinking, bathing, cleaning and more. The project included construction of a new facility to treat water on site and other improvements. Work was delayed during the two-year state budget impasse.

The campground is located on Illinois 102, about two miles west of the Kankakee River State Park main office. It has 98 total campsites, which are available by reservation only. Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL.com.

Read more: Joyce celebrates reopening of Kankakee River State Park’s Chippewa campground

  1. Murphy condemns bomb threats against public libraries
  2. Belt secures funding to tackle carjackings in Metro East
  3. Turner push to include hands-on, ag education as school work signed into law
  4. Belt initiative to ensure fair compensation for teachers signed into law

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Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics
Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics
KANKAKEE – A measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce earlier this year created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, and recently, Senate President Don...

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Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
CHICAGO – Illinois will officially become the first state in the United States to end the use of cash bail on Monday, thanks to collaboration between Senator Peters, crime victim...

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The Majority Report 09/11/23 - Strengthening the EV supply chain
The Majority Report 09/11/23 - Strengthening the EV supply chain
Senate Democrats celebrate $2 billion EV battery manufacturing plant coming to Kankakee County MANTENO — Senate Democrats joined company leaders and local and state officials Friday to announce Gotion’s historic decision...

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Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
DECATUR – As strong advocates of Illinois’ agriculture industry, State Senators Paul Faraci and Doris Turner joined state officials and agriculture leaders at the 2023 Farm Progress Show to support...

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Gillespie selected for prestigious Milbank Fellows Program
Gillespie selected for prestigious Milbank Fellows Program
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie has been chosen to join the 2023-24 cohort of the Milbank Fellows Program, a 10-month leadership program focused on public policy to improve...

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The Majority Report 08/28/23 - Combating carjackings, supporting women in trades and more
The Majority Report 08/28/23 - Combating carjackings, supporting women in trades and more
Belt secures funding to tackle carjackings in Metro East EAST ST. LOUIS — State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure a $2.4 million grant for the Metro East Auto Task Force —...

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Senate President Don Harmon © 2023 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
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