Peters measure to help youth in state care transition to adulthood becomes law

Springfield- Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to receiving the financial resources they need to be ready for adulthood thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Robert Peters.

“I’m pleased that we are taking this step to ensure that the state will be proactive at helping youth in care build a strong future during their final years of care,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We need to do all we can to ensure that they have access to a financial head start before they have to live on their own.”

The new law, formerly known as SB 3470, will require DCFS to save or invest a minimum percentage of a youth's benefits once they reach the age of 14. This will ensure that when DCFS no longer serves as the financial representative of  the youth, they will have some money to help them transition into a successful adult life.

Read more: Peters measure to help youth in state care transition to adulthood becomes law

New law by Castro aims to ensure care providers receive required wage increases

SPRINGFIELD – Care providers for Illinois residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities will see specific funding go to their wages thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“Ensuring people who care for our state’s most vulnerable residents are properly compensated will help address high turnaround in this workforce,” Castro said. “I am proud to have worked on this legislation to hold employers accountable when it comes to passing along funding increases to their workers.”

Read more: New law by Castro aims to ensure care providers receive required wage increases

Turner’s plan to prevent child sex offenders from working at the Illinois State Fair signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed a recently signed law that ensures child sex offenders will not be able to work at the Illinois State Fair.

“The Illinois State Fair is a hallmark event that the public looks forward to every year,” Turner said. “This law will send a clear message that we will do everything in our power to protect that notion and ensure the safety and enjoyment for our children.”

Under Turner’s law, a child sex offender would not be able to work at a carnival, amusement enterprise, or county or state fair.

Read more: Turner’s plan to prevent child sex offenders from working at the Illinois State Fair signed into law

Prenatal services to be more accessible under new Van Pelt law

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon efforts to address maternal and infant mortality in the state of Illinois, the governor signed into law a measure led by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) to expand access to prenatal services.

“Maternal mortality is a serious matter both in our state, and across the country, especially for Black women,” Van Pelt said. “Making prenatal and perinatal services more accessible can set those expecting up for a healthy delivery.”

Read more: Prenatal services to be more accessible under new Van Pelt law