Senator Fine: Spotlight on lack of resources for youth mental health services

CHICAGO – Concerned about the lack of resources for youth residential mental health services, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) led a joint hearing Wednesday with the Senator Behavioral and Mental Health Committee and the House Mental Health and Addiction Committee.

“The resources available for residential and inpatient mental health services for children across Illinois are severely lacking,” Senator Fine said. “This has been a crisis for a long time, but the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have put it in the spotlight.”

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Stadelman law requires Illinois to purchase American-made flags starting Jan. 1

ROCKFORD – Starting Jan. 1, Illinois and American flags purchased to fly at state agencies and institutions must be manufactured in the United States, thanks to a law spearheaded by State Senator Steve Stadelmen (D-Rockford). 

“We should be supporting local manufacturing companies that work hard and deserve our business,” Stadelman said. “We have no reason to be buying flags of our own state that are made in other countries.”

The new law will change the Flag Display Act to no longer allow state institutions and agencies to purchase American and Illinois flags from manufacturers outside of the U.S.

Read more: Stadelman law requires Illinois to purchase American-made flags starting Jan. 1

Belt encourages low-income families to apply for water and sewer help

EAST ST. LOUIS – Low-income families can now apply for help with their bills to avoid water and sewer shut off, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Wednesday.

“Many families are forced to spend a large percent of their monthly income on utility services,” Belt said. “This funding provides stability for low-income customers who need assistance paying their monthly utility bills.”

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program provides $42 million to help people avoid shut offs, assist households that have already had their services shut off or provide assistance to residents unable to pay their water and sewer bills.

Read more: Belt encourages low-income families to apply for water and sewer help

Ellman, Glowiak Hilton drop off over 325 purses full of supplies for survivors of domestic violence

DOWNERS GROVE – Following a month-long donation drive, State Senators Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) dropped off more than 325 purses full of personal care items to the Downers Grove Community Center.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the members of our community who took the time to make a donation in support of our neighbors in need,” Ellman said. “Especially around the holidays, it’s important to remind survivors of domestic abuse that there’s a whole community behind them.”

Read more: Ellman, Glowiak Hilton drop off over 325 purses full of supplies for survivors of domestic violence