Villivalam, Kelly support the 100 Club of Illinois through license plate options

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois residents could soon have a new license plate option thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam that will showcase the 100 Club of Illinois.

“Continuing to support organizations throughout our state that regularly give back to first responders and their families is vital,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Supporting them through offering license plate decals brings more awareness to the group and increases the availability of resources.”

The 100 Club of Illinois gives financial support to youth and spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty as well as mental health resources for active duty first responders. Through this measure, there will be a designation of registration and renewal fees that will be given back to the organization.

Read more: Villivalam, Kelly support the 100 Club of Illinois through license plate options

Martwick passes home equity assurance reform that uplifts homeowners

SPRINGFIELD — Chicago homeowners who pay into home equity assurance programs could soon see their tax dollars put to better use through increased access to home repair, thanks to a measure passed by State Senator Robert Martwick.

“Our communities have faced unprecedented flooding in the past few years, and insurance will not always cover the damage,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “By returning the funds to the people who need it most we improve the health and welfare of our neighborhoods.”

Illinois first allowed the creation of home equity assurance programs — or HEAPs — in 1987 with the goal of preserving the value of a resident’s property. The programs are funded through property taxes collected from homeowners in the HEAP district, who can enroll in the program by paying for an appraisal of their home. In return, they receive the guarantee that if they own the home for five years, they will not lose money when they sell the home if the market value has dropped.

Read more: Martwick passes home equity assurance reform that uplifts homeowners

Stadelman measure to allow teens to access blood typing services passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s legislation to lower the age of consent for blood typing services to 17 passed the Senate Wednesday.

“This bill is a step forward in empowering young people to take control of their health,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Lowering the age for blood typing consent to 17 ensures that more individuals have the ability to make informed decisions about their medical care, which can be crucial in emergency situations and for future health planning.”

Read more: Stadelman measure to allow teens to access blood typing services passes Senate

Villa initiative promoting native plant species passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa, allowing a higher volume of native plant species to be grown, passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Illinois is home to hundreds of native plant species that are crucial to the health of our state’s biodiversity,” said Villa. “By cultivating more native plants, we are protecting wildlife and embracing the one-of-a-kind landscape our state has to offer.”

House Bill 5296 would allow residents living in a community with a homeowners’ association to grow native plant species in their yards as long as the area is maintained. Homeowners’ associations would be prohibited from imposing height restrictions or impairing proper maintenance of native landscapes.

About 30% of homes in Illinois belong to a homeowners’ association. This measure would allow native landscapes to be planted in an additional 1.5 million homes across the state.

“Native plants support pollinators, birds and soil which are critical to our state’s agriculture,” said Villa. “This initiative is essential to maintain the health of our communities.”

House Bill 5296 passed the Senate on Thursday.