Collins pushes for better access to records for families of deceased residents
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SPRINGFIELD – After a Chicago resident was unable to obtain records regarding a deceased relative from the state, State Senator Lakesia Collins pushed forward legislation that would help individuals access their deceased families’ records.
“If someone needs to obtain records about their relative, we need systems in place to allow for the transfer of that information,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this legislation we are creating a clear pathway for people trying to secure the information of their deceased to make the process easier.”
Senate Bill 2715 would require the Illinois Department on Aging to establish procedures for the disclosure of program records by the Long Term Care Ombudsman.
Read more: Collins pushes for better access to records for families of deceased residents
Senate passes Koehler's initiative to strengthen local food economies
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SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois residents walk through the aisles of their local grocery store, they may wonder how far their food travels before it reaches their table. This has led State Senator Dave Koehler to advance an initiative to make Illinois food more readily available on store shelves.
“This initiative strengthens our food industry in a way that cultivates a stronger, more sustainable food system that benefits everyone,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By bridging the gap from farm to table, we give our family farmers more opportunities to distribute their goods while making fresh produce available to our community.”
Senate Bill 3077 would create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. This measure would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants would include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.
Read more: Senate passes Koehler's initiative to strengthen local food economies
Senate passes Glowiak Hilton initiative to expand services for deaf, blind students
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SPRINGFIELD – To ensure educational resources are accessible for children who are deaf or blind, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed an initiative to broaden the scope of services offered at the Philip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn.
“All children, regardless of their sensory needs, deserve the opportunity to receive high-quality education and support,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By extending the services of the Philip J. Rock Center and School, we're opening doors to new opportunities for children throughout our community.”
Currently, the Philip J. Rock Center and School only serves students who are both blind and deaf. It is the only publicly funded residential school in the country for deaf-blind students. The school currently assists nine students from age three through 21.
Read more: Senate passes Glowiak Hilton initiative to expand services for deaf, blind students
Johnson measure to enhance water quality of Lake Michigan advances
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson passed a measure to require regular monitoring of water quality from nearshores, harbors and public water supply intakes in Lake Michigan.
“Lake Michigan is the largest public drinking water supply in the state, serving nearly 6.6 million people, in addition to being Illinois’ largest recreational resource,” said Johnson (D - Buffalo Grove). “The protection of water resources is essential for sustaining public health, quality of life and economic prosperity.”
Senate Bill 3716 would update an existing provision to ensure that the IEPA is regularly monitoring water quality from nearshores, harbors and public water supply intakes in Lake Michigan. The measure would also require the IEPA to provide an executive summary every two years on conditions of the water quality in Lake Michigan to the governor and General Assembly. This update further aligns Illinois with the federal Clean Water Act.
Read more: Johnson measure to enhance water quality of Lake Michigan advances
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Porfirio resolution honors U.S. Marine Corps
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio led a resolution to honor the U.S. Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. “Since its creation, the Marine Corps has played a key role in protecting and safeguarding the security and fr... -
Hastings: Freedom is never free
SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a resolution to honor the United States Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. Hastings, who served as a U.S. Army officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, rose in supp... -
Jones honors fallen state trooper with memorial highway
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III successfully led a resolution to rename a portion of I-55 in honor of late State Trooper Clay M. Carns. “Trooper Carns died doing the same thing he had done every day for 11 years – diligently and faithfully... -
Johnson declares Menopause Awareness Week
SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a condition that will be faced by more than half of all Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare Oct. 11-17, 2026 Menopause Awareness Week. “Highlighting menopause is vital to gua... -
Morrison champions resolution declaring September 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month
DEERFIELD — Bringing awareness to genetic disorders, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a resolution in the Senate declaring September 2026 as Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in Illinois. “Muscular Dystrophy is a group of progressive and dege...
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