Simmons measure to create Agriculture Equity Commission passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – To better recognize the historic injustices that Black farmers face in the agriculture industry, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to create the Agriculture Equity Commission.
“For far too long, our Black famers have been systemically pushed out of the agriculture sector of Illinois,” Simmons said. “My goal is to see this commission address the root issues and find actionable solutions to give Black farmers justice in the largest job producing sector in Illinois.”
The commission would reflect representation of socially disadvantaged communities, businesses, and farmers, and include academics, policy experts, and legislators who are experienced in agriculture and related matters.
Read more: Simmons measure to create Agriculture Equity Commission passes Senate
Senate approves Turner’s initiative to plan celebrations in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary
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SPRINGFIELD – As the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States nears, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed a measure to establish a commission to carry out celebrations in Illinois leading up to and commemorating the day.
“The 250th anniversary of our country’s founding will be a special time for the nation as we reflect on our history and accomplishments while also charting a course for the future,” Turner said. “Celebrations will ring from the coast of Maine to the glaciers of Alaska, and Illinois will join in those celebrations with a truly special program.”
This measure follows a federal initiative to create a national USA 250 commission. Members of the state commission will include representatives from the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as well as members picked by a bipartisan group of government leaders. The Director of the Illinois State Museum will serve as the Illinois America 250 Commission Chair.
Gillespie, Walker strengthen consent laws for survivors of sexual assault
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday to remove barriers to justice for survivors of sexual assault.
“Survivors deserve a justice system that supports them during one of the most difficult times of their lives,” Gillespie said. “This measure removes a loophole that should never have existed and allows survivors to seek justice.”
House Bill 5441 clarifies the existing definition of “unable to give knowing consent” by adding that the survivor remains unable to consent if they voluntarily consumed an intoxicating substance. Under current interpretation, the offender must have provided the intoxicating substance to the survivor to be held responsible for a sexual assault.
Read more: Gillespie, Walker strengthen consent laws for survivors of sexual assault
Senate Democrats show off cancer support with suits and sneakers
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SPRINGFIELD – During their final week of legislative session, the Illinois Senate Democrats traded in their dress shoes for sneakers to raise awareness to cancer.
“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to get screened regularly,” said State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville). “I waited 15 years to get screened and I wish I wouldn’t have. Making and keeping those appointments can feel inconvenient, but they’re much less inconvenient than receiving a cancer diagnosis that could have been caught sooner.”
Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaborative nationwide annual event in which the American Cancer Society and the National Collegiate Athletic Association team up to bring awareness to cancer, which is among the leading causes of death worldwide, by wearing sneakers with their suits during games.
Read more: Senate Democrats show off cancer support with suits and sneakers
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