Ventura introduces Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced a new measure that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change.
“Encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, is an essential step toward a cleaner environment,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With the ongoing climate crisis impacting the entire world, it is evident that every level of government needs to focus on addressing this important issue to ensure the upcoming generations have a secure future.”
The Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act would require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to establish a grant program for local governments to restore degraded forests and prairies, encourage planting trees and grasses along roadways to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and address flooding and prevent snow and dirt drifts.
Read more: Ventura introduces Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act
Turner advances measure to further tackle food deserts
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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address food deserts, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure that would provide grants for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets.
“Rural communities across Illinois are often in food deserts,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious foods no matter where they live.”
Senate Bill 3219 would expand on the 2023 Illinois Grocery Initiative by allowing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide grants for equipment upgrades for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets. Currently, DCEO provides these grants to existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores or not-for-profit grocery stores.
Read more: Turner advances measure to further tackle food deserts
Hastings measure provides local first responders with mental health care
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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois municipal and county first responders are one step closer toward receiving free mental health insurance coverage, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.
“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day keeping our communities safe,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By making care easily affordable we are removing financial barriers and chipping away at the stigma of prioritizing mental health.”
Senate Bill 3538 would require any self-insured county or municipality that provides health insurance coverage to first responders to include mental health counseling coverage without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on patients.
Read more: Hastings measure provides local first responders with mental health care
Stadelman passes legislation to strengthen Illinois’ hazing laws
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has advanced legislation that provides protections against the criminal act of hazing.
“Hazing is a serious issue that undermines the safety and well-being of our students and communities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “No individual should ever feel pressured or coerced into participating in activities that jeopardize their physical or mental health.”
Under Senate Bill 2934, a person agreeing to participate in a hazardous situation would not shield those accused of the hazing. According to Goldberg & Loren, in 95% of hazing cases, students aware they were hazed did not report it. Humiliation is the most popular method of hazing, accounting for 67% of total incidents that happen. Stadelman’s measure would establish a consent clause within state law, bringing Illinois in line with several other states that clarify consent to hazing does not protect against hazing charges.
Read more: Stadelman passes legislation to strengthen Illinois’ hazing laws
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