Durbin, State Senators advocate for gun violence prevention package

CHICAGO – State Senators Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) were joined by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and gun violence survivors this morning to advocate for the passage of critical gun safety legislation.

“We are here not only because of recent shootings, but because of what has been allowed to continue in our communities for decades,” Villivalam said. “We must take bold action now to keep our communities safe. Our legislation provides solutions that would have prevented recent mass tragedies in the state of Illinois.”

Two pieces of legislation have been filed to curb gun violence, House Bill 3245 and Senate Bill 568. Both would require background checks for all gun sales, collect fingerprints from FOID card applicants, would enable the Illinois State Police to reduce illegal gun purchases and the state to dedicate mental health funding for communities most affected by gun violence.

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Joyce thanks agriculture community during National Agriculture Week

KANKAKEE – In honor of National Agriculture Week, Senate Agriculture Chairman Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is celebrating the hard work and dedication of local farmers and agricultural workers.

“Agriculture is Illinois’ number-one industry and provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis,” said Joyce, a fourth-generation farmer. “This week is a tremendous opportunity to educate consumers and remind folks just how important the industry is.” 

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Castro’s measure to bring tax dollars to Kane County passes General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – To make sure Kane County gets its fair share of the money from legal cannabis sales, state Senator Cristina Castro won approval of legislation giving the county a new deadline to file paperwork with the state.

“One of the major selling points of legalizing cannabis sales was the revenue it would bring to local governments to support programs and services. This proposal makes sure Kane County will get its fair share,” said Castro, an Elgin Democrat.

Castro’s legislation is a technical tweak regarding the deadlines for counties to file paperwork with the state in order to begin collecting revenue from taxes on cannabis sales. Under this new window, Kane County would be allowed to begin collecting sales tax on cannabis in May of 2021.

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Hunter legislation to eliminate health care disparities passes General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – Following a year of grave racial injustice and in light of continuing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of the General Assembly that will improve equity in the state health care system.

“This legislation has been a long time coming. My colleagues and I have worked extremely hard to pass these measures to target the structural racism that Black Illinoisans face in various sectors, including the health care industry,” Hunter said. “These measures seek to bring an end to the disparities in our health care system that exist not just for Black people, but for other communities of color and low-income Illinoisans.”

Read more: Hunter legislation to eliminate health care disparities passes General Assembly