Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate record-breaking tourism growth

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated news Monday that Illinois hotel revenue during the 2023 fiscal year exceeded the highest pre-pandemic record, bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and hospitality jobs.

“These numbers show once again that people all across the country and all around the world think Illinois is great and can’t wait to come here,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Illinois is a world-class destination that from the Shawnee National Forest to the shoreline of Lake Michigan – and all points in between – has something terrific to offer everyone. This success is a collaborative effort and shows we can balance budgets, grow the economy and break records all at the same time.”

Illinois welcomed 111 million visitors who spent $44 billion in 2022 – representing 14 million additional travelers spending $12 billion more than they did in calendar year 2021. Because of tourist spending and visits in 2022, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts – amounted to a staggering $78 billion, a 30% increase from 2021.

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Two new Holmes laws ensure safety for people and captive animals in labs and roadside menageries

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes, a frequent sponsor of animal welfare legislation, saw two of her recent measures signed into law last week: one addresses the dwindling need to use cats and dogs in laboratory settings for testing, the other takes action against roadside zoos that allow public contact with wild animals that are unsafe for the animals and visitors.

Senate Bill 1883 is Holmes’ Wild Animal Public Safety Act to address concerns with roadside zoos by prohibiting public contact with all primates and bears. These collections of animals in cages where passing motorists may stop and see, feed or play with the animals are notoriously unsafe and dangerous for people, and inhumane for the captive animals. It will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

“The use of these animals continues a cycle of endless breeding where they are born into captivity to be used as props and business commodities,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Their lifetime of confinement and mistreatment could contribute to an interaction resulting in harm to the person or animal in such a situation. That risk could create a terrible tragedy.”

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Senator Fine law guarantees telehealth appointments for mental health treatment will be covered under Medicaid plans

SPRINGFIELD – During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people began utilizing mental health counseling via telehealth appointments. With many Illinoisans still benefiting from this form of treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to ensure these telehealth appointments will continue to be covered under Medicaid insurance plans even though COVID-19-related telehealth policies are expiring. 

“Patients prefer telehealth appointments for a variety of reasons, including time-saving convenience or having the opportunity to get treatment from a specialist who is not locally available,” said Fine (D-Glenview).  “This initiative will ensure Medicaid patients are still able to access this care with their insurance.”

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Cervantes law will allow veterans and immigrants to return to real estate career

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes spearheaded a new law that will waive certain requirements for veterans and those without a social security number who are seeking a real estate license.

”This law assists veterans and immigrants who are going to continue their real estate career in Illinois and have run into barriers in their continuing education requirements,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With this law, we will help individuals reinstate their real estate license and continue their practice in Illinois.”

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