Cullerton measure giving voice to veterans becomes law
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SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and other members of the public will have a way to voice their concerns regarding the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park).
“The tragic COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home in 2020 made it clear that we needed to support veterans and IDVA staff by demanding further transparency from the department,” said Cullerton, chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affair committee and a veteran himself. “The new Veterans Accountability Unit will give our veterans and those who care for them a direct way to voice any concerns they have.”
The new law, Public Act 102-0695, creates the unit, with offices to be housed in IDVA buildings and veterans’ homes. The unit will be responsible for reporting complaints and recommendations from veterans, IDVA employees and other Illinois residents to the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor.
Read more: Cullerton measure giving voice to veterans becomes law
Kankakee developers could receive tax credit for restoration under Joyce bill
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KANKAKEE – In an effort to restore downtown Kankakee and boost economic growth, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) introduced new legislation that would support investment in the City of Kankakee.
Joyce’s proposal – Senate Bill 3048 – would create a River Edge Redevelopment Zone in the City of Kankakee to receive the River Edge Tax Credit, designed to help older river communities redevelop properties.
“This legislation encourages investment in our community and offers a second chance to parts of our city that have become neglected over the years,” Joyce said. “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, this tax credit will promote economic development and stimulate jobs that will help revitalize downtown Kankakee.”
Read more: Kankakee developers could receive tax credit for restoration under Joyce bill
Villanueva announces recovery assistance to local libraries
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CHICAGO – Local libraries in Stickney will be given nearly $39,000 in grants to provide assistance for pandemic recovery thanks to support from State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago).
“Libraries, like many of our businesses and homes, have been disrupted greatly by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Villanueva said. “Despite these challenges, our local libraries have provided resources to job seekers, educators and the general public, and our support to them should be a reflection of all they do for our communities.”
The goal of the initiative is to respond to the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing funding for libraries to modify their services, transform their spaces and develop more resources for their local recovering workforce. These funds will also ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.
Read more: Villanueva announces recovery assistance to local libraries
Simmons works for full inclusion by eliminating use of “alien” in reference to people
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Springfield- In an effort to remove a barrier to full inclusion for immigrant communities in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is championing a measure that removes the use of “alien” in any Illinois statute when referring to people who have mixed statuses and referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country.
“As a proud son of a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, I am happy to support building community by assisting in removing barriers to access much needed resources,” Simmons said. “I want Illinois to send a clear message that we welcome immigrants and that we are working to eliminate the historic barriers that many of these communities have faced.”
Senate Bill 3865 would remove the use of "alien" in any Illinois statute when referring to people who have mixed statuses and referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country. Eliminating references to “alien” in Illinois law would remove a regressive and outdated legal term and symbolize the full inclusion of immigrant communities in Illinois. Similar legislation has recently passed in California and Colorado.
Read more: Simmons works for full inclusion by eliminating use of “alien” in reference to people
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