Porfirio advances legislation to bridge military duties and civic engagement for service members on active duty status

SPRINGFIELD – Military service members on active duty status who represent part of a public body – such as a village board, school district or township –may soon be allowed to attend meetings remotely, thanks to a new measure passed by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“It is our duty to create a more inclusive and adaptable environment for all members of our community, especially those who selflessly serve in the military,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a member of the Navy Reserve. “This legislation reflects our commitment to ensuring service members on active duty status can participate in discussions and decisions that impact our communities and the people they have dedicated their lives to protecting.”

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Halpin passes resolution to name February as CTE Month in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – The achievements of Career and Technical Education programs across the state will be recognized this February under a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Halpin.

“Many CTE programs allow students to receive a debt-free education that sets them up with a good job,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I believe there is agreement out there across our community and state that college isn’t for everyone. We need to be proud of our young people going to vocational school, as our state wouldn’t be able to build any infrastructure without them.”

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Illinois Black Caucus calls for real investments following governor’s proposal

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus called a press conference Wednesday to offer their responses to Governor Pritzker’s annual budget address.

"The stability and progress that was mentioned by Governor Pritzker today has helped many communities, but we expect that help to trickle down to the Black community,” said State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Chicago), Illinois Legislative Black Caucus House chair. “Our goal is to not just put it into the budget, but to get it out to our communities. We look forward to redressing investments in the Black community, because as we invest in the Black community everyone knows that is an investment all other communities benefit from.”

Black Caucus members joined to address the parts of the governor’s budget proposal relating to the ILBC’s four-pillar legislative agenda aimed to rid Illinois of systemic racism. Members echoed a resounding responsibility to speak to the issues in the Black community that do not quite translate into the budget investments.

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Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus outlines priorities following governor’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus outlined a number of their investment priorities focused on Latino communities following the governor’s budget address Wednesday. 

“We are pleased that the proposal strives to address items of importance to the Latino community, from health care to education,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Our community is growing and it’s not going anywhere.”   

“Our State’s prosperity is intertwined with the success of our Latino community, our state budget must prioritize equitable investment in healthcare, education, and jobs for Latino families,” said House Latino Caucus Chair Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook). “While we recognize positives in Governor Pritzker’s proposal, we’re committed to further enhancements. We will continue our united mission to serve our communities faithfully.”

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