Hastings announces $1 million Rebuild Illinois Grant to support Road Home Program at Rush Hospital
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CHICAGO — State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined fellow Senators Patrick Joyce, Paul Faraci, Meg Loughran Cappel, Michael Porfirio and Michael Halpin for a visit to Rush University Medical Center’s acclaimed Road Home Program, announcing a $1 million investment through the Rebuild Illinois Program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
The grant will be used to expand services that provide critical mental health and transitional support to returning veterans and their families. The Road Home Program—nationally recognized for its innovative approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges veterans face—offers specialized, no-cost care to military members and their loved ones.
“This is more than a check—it’s a lifeline,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort), a West Point graduate, Bronze Star recipient, and Iraq War veteran. “The Road Home Program not only helped me through my own struggles as a returning combat veteran, it has been a safe harbor for countless others across Illinois. The staff, the doctors, and the welcoming, nurturing culture of this program are second to none. They deserve more than just a million-dollar investment—they deserve our ongoing commitment and gratitude.”
Belt looks out for blue collar workers on the job
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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to strengthen prevailing wage rules that will help workers receive higher pay was signed into law on Thursday.
“We don’t want to see the federal government shortchange our workers here in Illinois,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Illinois workers who literally build our state shouldn’t be cheated by corporate sleight of hand.”
Currently, Illinois’ prevailing wage law does not apply to federal construction projects that require a prevailing wage determination by the United States Secretary of Labor. Belt’s new law clarifies that workers must receive the highest prevailing wage – whether federal or state – in local public works projects that include federal funding. The goal is to eliminate potential confusion when rates differ and specifically impacts projects under state or local control.
Read more: Belt looks out for blue collar workers on the job
New Morrison law strengthens Illinois’ response to human trafficking
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SPRINGFIELD — Thousands of human trafficking victims have been identified in Illinois in recent years, but authorities estimate the true number of victims to be much higher. To improve how the state handles trafficking cases, a new law sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison will lead to earlier identification and strengthen support for survivors through better coordination, training and services.
“This law is the result of extensive work among Illinois State Police, state agencies and legislators to close gaps that exist in current processes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By breaking down silos between agencies, we can connect survivors to compassionate support faster and make it more difficult for trafficking networks to operate in the state.”
The new law takes a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to addressing human trafficking. The law builds on recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group — created in 2023 with input from over 60 stakeholders and state agencies — and lays out a statewide strategic plan to support trafficking survivors. This includes creating standards of care for medical and legal providers and building a network of accessible services.
Read more: New Morrison law strengthens Illinois’ response to human trafficking
Sims: The SAFE-T Act is based on risk—not riches
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CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. — the lead sponsor of the SAFE-T Act —released the following statement after the president falsely attacked Illinois’ nation-leading measure to end cash bail:
“The president’s misguided attacks on Illinois’ elimination of cash bail are par for the course. When he doesn’t want to answer for his administration’s mounting failures, he reverts to his usual playbook: distraction, denial and diversion.
Illinois is seeing positive results. According to the Illinois State Police, both violent and property crimes have decreased since the end of cash bail. The nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice also found no statistically significant link between bail reform and crime rates in its analysis of 33 cities, both with and without such reforms.
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SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will streamline local municipal services, allowing the city of Joliet to absorb the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District. “Joliet is well equipped to ensure a smooth transition between th... -
SPRINGFIELD — To reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters led a new law to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency. “Families who are in need of DCFS’ s... -
SPRINGFIELD — With increasing threats to public health emerging from the intersection of human, animal and environmental factors, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison will create the One Health Commission — a unique collaboration amo... -
SPRINGFIELD – The use of therapy dogs to aid people struggling with PTSD and anxiety has steadily increased nationwide. Over 50,000 therapy dogs are in service today. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen championed a law that will increase the number of the... -
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s effort to protect rural auctioneers was signed into law Friday. “We are working to protect local and rural auctioneers from unregulated online auctions and give bidders peace of mind when they make their tran...
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