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Illinois closer to becoming smoke free on Jan. 1 thanks to Morrison

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Published: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:39 AM

vaping stockSPRINGFIELD –  Illinois is one step closer to becoming smoke free thanks, in part, to a new law from State Senator Julie Morrison set to take effect on Jan. 1 that bans e-cigarettes inside public places.

“E-cigarettes, in all of their many forms, continue to be one of the most addictive products readily available for purchase in gas stations, vape shops and online,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We have made solid progress toward de-normalizing the perception of tobacco, and I am proud that on Jan. 1, e-cigarette usage will be banned indoors.”

Passed in 2007, the Smoke Free Illinois Act prohibited smoking in most public places and within 15 feet of entrances, and required “no smoking” signs to be posted. However, this law took effect when people primarily smoked cigarettes and cigars.

Read more: Illinois closer to becoming smoke free on Jan. 1 thanks to Morrison

Fertility fraud will be outlawed Jan. 1 thanks to Koehler

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Published: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:33 AM

Koehler floorSPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents who are victims of fertility fraud will soon be able to bring action against health care providers, thanks to a new law from State Senator Dave Koehler.

When Bloomington resident Curt Richardson got his DNA test results back from Ancestry.com in June 2021, his life – and those of his parents – changed forever when they learned they had been victims of fertility fraud.

Richardson’s story is similar to hundreds of others across the state and nation who have lived most of their lives thinking the very people who raised them were their biological parents. Koehler worked to bring awareness to fertility fraud and provide justice to the families who fall victim to the heinous act.

Read more: Fertility fraud will be outlawed Jan. 1 thanks to Koehler

Simmons announces $2.5 million in funding to launch 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant on Chicago’s far North Side

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Published: Monday, December 18, 2023 10:24 AM

SimmonsCHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons announced the launch of the 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant, which will have$2.5 million available to assist small businesses located in the 7th District.

“Small business owners across the 7th District have frequently reached out to my office or stopped me in passing to talk about the pressures they face. My staff and I have seen a clear trend of small businesses closing unnecessarily or prematurely in business corridors across the district,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This initiative is in direct response to what we’ve seen, and it will provide a much needed boost to entrepreneurs and mom and pop small businesses across our district who are struggling.”

The7th District Small Business Restoration Grant is intended to provide funds to small businesses who have missed out on previous funding opportunities, are in danger of closure, are facing financial hardship, and identify as historically underserved. Simmons secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to provide one-time, $10,000 micro-grants to qualified small businesses operating in brick and mortar sites within the 7th District.

Read more: Simmons announces $2.5 million in funding to launch 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant...

Fees waived for Illinois veterans adopting pets thanks to Loughran Cappel law

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Published: Monday, December 18, 2023 10:13 AM

petsSPRINGFIELD – Illinois veterans will be able to adopt a pet without paying fees on Jan. 1, thanks to a new law from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedom,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship, and we have seen the benefits pets can give veterans including improved health and overall happiness.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. Loughran Cappel’s new law requires animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

Read more: Fees waived for Illinois veterans adopting pets thanks to Loughran Cappel law

More Articles …

  1. Fine ensures consumer protections for hearing aid returns
  2. New Toro legislation to protect caregivers from job discrimination
  3. New Castro law paves the way for increased diversity, efficiency in state contracting
  4. Police officers get well-earned pension victory under Cunningham, Gill law
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  • Holmes’ new law gives family courts guidance to resolve pet custody when domestic partners split

    Holmes’ new law gives family courts guidance to resolve pet custody when domestic partners split
    SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes remains steadfast in pursuing legislation to improve living conditions for animals, as her measure providing statutory guidance to Illinois courts when considering pet possession when unmarried couples break u...

    Read more...

  • Porfirio resolution honors U.S. Marine Corps

    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...

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  • Hastings: Freedom is never free

    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...

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  • Jones honors fallen state trooper with memorial highway

    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...

    Read more...

  • Johnson declares Menopause Awareness Week

    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...

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