Castro fights to keep cellphones, social media out of the classroom

SPRINGFIELD — Teenagers who spend five or more hours per day on electronic devices are 71% more likely to demonstrate risk factors for suicide — an alarming phenomenon State Senator Cristina Castro is determined to change.

“My legislation takes social media out of the classroom so students can focus on what’s important: learning,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This measure sets a standard to limit cellphone use during class time but prioritizes flexibility, letting schools take the lead in deciding how it should be implemented in their local community.”

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Senate committee hears Peters-backed legislation aimed at providing tax credit for affordable housing development

SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, the Senate Revenue Committee held a subject matter hearing on a measure spearheaded by State Senator Robert Peters that would address Illinois’ affordable housing crisis by creating a state-level housing tax credit, unlocking millions in federal funds and driving new private investment in housing development.

“Senate Bill 62 is about building homes, creating jobs and making sure working families across Illinois can afford a place to live,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This is a responsible, proven model that brings everyone to the table – government, private investors and community developers – to deliver the housing our communities urgently need.”

Peters’ measure would establish the Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit, which mirrors the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and helps finance new affordable rental housing. Administered by the Illinois Housing Authority and the Chicago Department of Housing, the credit would be awarded to affordable housing developers who already qualify for the federal LIHTC and are determined to need additional funding to move their projects forward.

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Murphy advances measure to make equine therapy more accessible

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy’s bill to make equine therapy more accessible has passed the Senate.

“Equine therapy is an incredible tool that can be used by occupational therapists to meet the unique needs of their patients,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “When insurance covers equine therapy, more individuals can access this transformative care – supporting mental health, emotional growth and recovery without the burden of high out-of-pocket costs.”

Equine therapy is a term that encompasses therapies that involve interacting with horses, including specific therapies used by physical, occupational and speech therapists to engage different sensory responses for patients. It has shown positive effects for people living with PTSD and autism.

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Feigenholtz works to connect schools, families with one-stop shop for youth mental health care

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois teachers and families would have better tools to identify behavioral and mental health needs for youth to connect them with community-based supports under a measure led by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“My focus has always been on prioritizing behavioral health care and social services that reinforce our commitments to Illinois children and families, and this legislation continues that important work,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “This initiative will help teachers connect students with school-based supports but also create stronger pathways to behavioral health care and services at home and in the community.”

Feigenholtz has worked alongside members of the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, led by Dr. Dana Weiner, since 2022. Feigenholtz sponsored and passed the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act in 2023, paving the way for the new BEACON portal, a centralized online platform for Illinois children and families seeking mental health services. Through BEACON, youth and caregivers can find services they qualify for, manage health records securely, receive real-time updates and request additional case support.

Read more: Feigenholtz works to connect schools, families with one-stop shop for youth mental health care