Loughran Cappel measure to let paraprofessionals with short-term approval licenses become fully licensed

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is spearheading a measure that would allow paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license to become fully licensed once their short-term license expires.

“Paraprofessionals are an important part of our education system,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “They provide crucial support for instructional, behavioral and personal care for students under the guidance of teachers and administrators.”

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Porfirio continues support for veteran suicide prevention through extending advisory council

SPRINGFIELD — To address the increase in suicide rates among veterans in the United States, State Senator Mike Porfirio has advanced legislation to extend the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

“We must be consistent in our effort to support suicide prevention efforts for veterans,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This crisis will not solve itself; I will continue to urgently support new treatment solutions for our dedicated service members.”

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New Ellman measure aims to expand rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention

SPRINGFIELD – Studies find that work release programs can play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, there is a lack of rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention, leading State Senator Laura Ellman to advance Senate Bill 3333.

“Rehabilitation programs are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “If someone takes the initiative to improve their life by participating in programs that build skills and strengthen families, that effort should be recognized no matter where they are being held.”

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Hunter, Simmons call for stronger SNAP fraud prevention efforts

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.

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