ISDC

New Martwick law to move public workers into better savings for retirement

Details: Monday, August 23, 2021 12:08 PM

SPRINGFIELD – A new law spearheaded by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) that will help public state workers better save for retirement was signed into law Friday.

“Employees across the state deserve to know their hard work will pay off into retirement,” Martwick said. “Encouraging people to invest in their futures earlier on will allow for more savings that leads to more financial stability.”

More rape crisis services to be certified under new Simmons law

Details: Monday, August 23, 2021 11:45 AM

rape crisis ctr 082321 CHICAGO – Many additional organizations that provide rape crisis services will be able to receive state recognition after legislation sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) was signed Friday. Simmons says the new law will facilitate quick access to critical resources for survivors.

“The current definition of rape crisis center is too narrow and excludes a lot of great organizations,” Simmons said. “Organizations that share locations with other services or that provide rape crisis in tandem with other services can’t get the necessary certification, which severely limits their ability to provide help to the people who need it.”

DCFS to have clearer role in checking in on children with out-of-state guardians under new law by Pacione-Zayas

Details: Monday, August 23, 2021 11:35 AM

CHICAGO – To help clarify the Department of Children and Family Services’ role in assessing the living situations of children placed with parents out of state, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) spearheaded a law signed Friday that lays out clear guidelines for when DCFS can assess these living arrangements.

“We have a clear duty to children who are or have been in state care, and it can’t be hindered by confusion over geographical lines,” Pacione-Zayas said. “This legislation will help fill in the gaps in current policy and make it easier for DCFS to do its job to protect our state’s children.”

Villivalam makes state services more accessible through CityKey ID

Details: Monday, August 23, 2021 11:13 AM

city id 082321 CHICAGO – To better serve undocumented and immigrant communities, legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that would allow municipal ID cards to be used to access state services and facilities was signed into law today.

“All residents of Illinois, regardless of immigration status, should be able to receive essential state services,” Villivalam said. “Today Illinois renews its commitment to undocumented and immigrant communities that we are the most welcoming state in the nation.”