Hastings advances measure to connect veterans with careers in government

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois veterans may soon have a new way to connect with careers in state government, thanks to a measure advanced by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our nation’s heroes have worked tirelessly to defend our freedoms and democratic values,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This internship program will serve as another way for veterans to continue their mission after retiring their uniforms by serving our state and engaging in another mode of public service.”

Senate Bill 2769 would require the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to create a Veteran Internship Pilot Program. The program would provide internships to honorably discharged veterans with the opportunity to participate in the General Assembly's legislative staff internship program.

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Murphy initiative to improve transparency for mobile home owners advances

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure from State Senator Laura Murphy, residents of mobile home parks could see improved transparency and protections.

“As any member of the community, mobile home owners deserve to know their basic rights,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “They have a right to know that if the park owner does not have a license, they do not have the right to continue to collect rent, nor can they be evicted for failing to pay rent during that time.”

Murphy’s measure would require mobile home park owners to give notice to tenants that parks must be licensed to operate, and if they are not licensed, the owner cannot collect rent. Lease agreements would be required to have this disclaimer included in a clear and conspicuous manner.

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Villivalam bill provides access of Early Childhood Construction Grants to Community-Based Not-For-Profits

SPRINGFIELD – To provide additional access to Illinois' Early Childhood Construction Grant program, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation out of the Senate Education Committee that would make community-based not-for-profits eligible for $40 million in grant funds.

“Early childhood organizations provide necessary assistance to families across Illinois who are struggling to access child care resources,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With this legislation, we are able to provide opportunities for nonprofit organizations in our community to be eligible for grants that would significantly assist them with providing better learning environments for our youth.”

This new legislation, Senate Bill 2675, would remove a provision specifying that grants made in fiscal year 2024 could be awarded only to public school districts.

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Simmons raising awareness among Black communities on Black HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons stood with the Black Leadership Advocacy Coalition for Healthcare Equity today for Black HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day to celebrate the accomplishments in HIV prevention and care and to recognize the work still needed to overcome structural barriers to testing, prevention and treatment in Black communities.

“We have taken steps to reduce the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on Black communities, but disparities continue to exist,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). "It is crucial that we have conversations about HIV/AIDS to increase education, testing, community involvement and treatment among Black communities.”

Read more: Simmons raising awareness among Black communities on Black HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day