ISDC

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 08:16 PM

CHICAGO - To protect communities across Illinois from the deadly impact of lead, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) passed a law signed on Friday to strengthen lead mitigation procedures.

“Almost every community across the state is affected by lead in the water supply,” said Simmons. “This law provides an effective and expeditious solution to a decades-long problem that systemically affects low-income communities and communities of color.”

House Bill 4369 will require the Illinois Department of Public Health to follow up on lead mitigation notices by carrying out inspections to ensure the work has been completed. The past law merely permitted an inspection, while this measure will require and enforce lead mitigation efforts.

Loughran Cappel’s measure to reduce vehicle registration fee becomes law

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 08:11 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans will see a reduced registration fee under a new law by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“As inflation inches higher, some older adults worry about the rising cost of necessities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This new law offers a reduction in cost for a vehicle fee for older adults living on a limited income.”

The law will reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

FFA Chapters get a boost thanks to Senator Joyce

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 08:10 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Future Farmers of America chapters across Illinois will soon see more financial assistance thanks to grants that would be paid out through the Future Farmers of America Fund created through legislation sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“As lifetime FFA member myself, I am proud to champion legislation that has full support across the board,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “FFA taught me so many valuable lessons that I still hold and apply to my life as a farmer and state senator – and I want to provide those same opportunities for other students across our state.”

House Bill 5400 also allows the Illinois Secretary of State to issue FFA universal specialty license plates. The funds collected from the distribution of the decals will then go into the Future Farmers of America Fund. Anyone can apply for and be issued one of the plates for an additional $25 to their standard vehicle registration fee. For the original issuance, $10 will go to the FFA Fund, and for renewals $23 will go to the fund.

Gold Star Families to receive expanded recognition, support under Ellman law

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 08:03 PM

folding flag

NAPERVILLE – Dedicated license plates will soon be available to more members of Gold Star Families in Illinois thanks to a new law by State Senator Laura Ellman signed on Friday.

“When brave men and women put their lives on the line to defend our country, their families make great sacrifices as well—Gold Star Families sacrificing the most of all,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I was proud to partner with dedicated legislators and advocates from across the state to pass this law ensuring all members of Gold Star Families receive the recognition and thanks they so rightfully deserve.”

House Bill 5078 expands the current eligibility list for Gold Star Family license plates to include stepchildren, adopted children and half-siblings of veterans who lost their lives serving in a branch of the United States Armed Forces, and waives the registration fee for children in Gold Star Families.

Follow ILSenDems

Member News

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...
Holmes advances measure to protect gray foxes in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ measure to keep a closer watch on Illinois’ gray foxes moved a step nearer to becoming law on Thursday. The gray fox population in Illinois and much of the Midwest has been declining over the last 30 years, pr...

Read more...