Aquino plan that protects student borrowers from debt relief scams signed into law

CHICAGO. – State Senator Omar Aquino’s (D-Chicago) legislation that protects higher education students from debt relief scams was signed into law today. The law prevents scams from hurting student borrowers who are already struggling to make their student loans payments.

“Unregistered student loan debt relief providers target these students, charging them excessive fees for services that can be accessed for free throughout the U.S. Dept. of Education. We must protect borrowers from these scams,” Aquino said.

Read more: Aquino plan that protects student borrowers from debt relief scams signed into law

Hunter hosts 17th annual family health and fitness fair

CHICAGO – This weekend, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) hosted her 17^th annual family health and fitness fair, which featured health screenings, giveaways, and live entertainment, among many other activities.

“I am glad that we had such a good turnout, and that attendees and vendors followed COVID-19 safety protocols,” Hunter said. “We had a good time while staying safe and healthy.”

In 2003, Hunter hosted her first health fair. After several successful years, she partnered with the Illinois Institute of Technology, and they’ve teamed up to offer free services like health screenings, school supplies, and food for more than a decade. This year, Hunter and IIT added COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, as well as back-to-school haircuts and braiding, to the list of important services offered to area residents.

Read more: Hunter hosts 17th annual family health and fitness fair

New Belt law speeds up airport construction

SPRINGFIELD – Major Illinois airports will directly receive and spend federal funding thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that was signed into law Friday.

The new law allows Illinois airports that have 10,000 or more patrons per year to directly receive and spend federal funding. Under the current law, federal funding goes to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s aeronautics division to distribute to airports across the state, with the exception of O’Hare and Midway International Airports in Chicago.

Read more: New Belt law speeds up airport construction

Castro measure to protect wastewater facilities signed into law

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) spearheaded a new law to update standards for nonwoven disposable wipes that can damage sewer systems when improperly disposed through being flushed down toilets.

“Non-flushable wipes that are improperly disposed of cause millions of dollars of damage to our sewer systems every year,” Castro said. “The law will help clear up confusion that consumers might have about what kind of products can and cannot be flushed, which will help protect our systems.”

Read more: Castro measure to protect wastewater facilities signed into law