New Belt law expands liquor delivery services across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Liquor delivery services will be expanded thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday.

“We have continuously taken strides to uplift our small businesses, and this is a big win for Illinois bars and restaurants,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This expansion allows businesses to bring in more revenue and increases access for people across the state.”

In partnership with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Belt’s initiative will eliminate state and local fees for liquor delivery throughout Illinois. Additionally, it brings parity for liquor delivery between home-rule and non-home rule municipalities to regulate liquor delivery.

Senate Bill 1001 also lowers the licensing fees for wineries to $750 if renewed online and $900 for initial or non-online certification. Under a law passed in 2021, the fees were raised to $1,200 if renewed online and $1,500 for initial licenses and non-online.

“As more shoppers rely on home delivery than ever before, it’s important we make it easier for retailers to meet their needs,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “This bill will ease hurdles by streamlining regulations and removing burdensome fees. We appreciate Senator Belt for his leadership on this issue, especially as businesses seek stability following years of disruption caused by the pandemic.”

Senate Bill 1001 takes effect immediately.

Villanueva champions measure for students seeking need-based education financial assistance

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure that prohibits students from changing their guardianship in efforts to qualify for need-based financial aid for college.

“Students that are experiencing financial hardships should not feel pressured to change their guardianship in order to receive need-based financial aid,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that legislation is put in place to ensure that students who are seeking need-based financial receive the resources they need without being penalized due to of their financial hardships.”

Senate Bill 195 is a direct response to previous public reports that Illinois students became eligible for need-based education financial assistance through the practice of "Opportunity Hoarding." Opportunity hoarding is the practice of exploiting a loophole in the Probate Act by transferring legal guardianship from a parent to a relative or friend in lower income brackets or by declaring financial independence.

Read more: Villanueva champions measure for students seeking need-based education financial assistance

Pacione-Zayas, Turner support strong proposal for early education investments

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Doris Turner stood in support of the governor’s proposed budget that would make a strong investment in early childhood education at a press conference on Thursday.

“I am pleased to join Governor Pritzker in leading Illinois to be the best state to raise young children. Together with my colleagues in the General Assembly we will make historic investments to optimize early childhood development, support families, and bolster early childhood professionals,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago).  “Delivering this message directly to providers and families will be crucial for gaining support to advance the proposal to victory.”

The proposal would put a total of $250 million toward a new program – SMART Start Illinois – a multi-year program to provide investments in preparing children to be lifelong learners. The plan laid out Wednesday included a $75 million investment for the Illinois State Board of Education’s Early Childhood Block Grant to increase preschool availability and provide every Illinois child with access to a preschool spot if they want one.

Read more: Pacione-Zayas, Turner support strong proposal for early education investments

Black Caucus outlines vision for upcoming session

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus announced they will focus on passing a balanced budget that uplifts low-income and working families and enhances classroom and early childhood education.

“The governor’s proposed budget showcases a continual dedication to fund programs that promote public safety and equity for all Illinois residents,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “A budget proposal that contains investments in schools, small businesses, working families and our environment reframes key investments that have traditionally left out Black and Brown communities and is a step toward progress.”

After Governor JB Pritzker outlined his legislative priorities, the Black Caucus highlighted the importance of putting the voices and needs of Illinois’ Black communities at the forefront of upcoming budget negotiations.

Read more: Black Caucus outlines vision for upcoming session