Belt applauds plan to buy out flood-damaged properties

EAST ST. LOUIS – With the support of State Senator Christopher Belt, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will provide nearly $2.6 million to the City of East St. Louis to buy out 39 properties that have experienced repeated flooding and flood damage.

“Flooding has been a persistent and devastating issue for many families in East St. Louis,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The support of IDNR will provide a lifeline for residents who have faced repeated losses and help ensure their safety and well-being moving forward. I commend IDNR for recognizing the urgent need for this intervention and allocating the necessary resources to address it.”

The funding — through IDNR’s Flood Hazard Mitigation Program — will be used to reimburse the city for approved costs associated with acquiring homes on 39 lots, plus one vacant lot. This project includes up to $22,500 in additional funds to assist homeowners who resided in the flooded structures in purchasing a home.

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Senate Latino Caucus expresses support for President Biden’s executive order on immigration

CHICAGO – Following President Joe Biden’s announcement of an executive order to protect immigrant spouses and provide a pathway to work permits to many previously without them, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunities these measures will open.

“Considering that this executive power can be challenged and even ended by a different administration, there is a lot more that needs to be done to provide permanent protections for undocumented communities that have contributed to this country for decades,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D – Chicago). “Today’s action is a great first step, but we must build on this progress and enact comprehensive reforms that honor our nation's history as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.”

The executive order offers certain individuals without legal status who have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least 10 years the opportunity to remain in the country while applying for residency and work authorization.

Read more: Senate Latino Caucus expresses support for President Biden’s executive order on immigration

Edly-Allen, Treasurer Frerichs announce $500,000 life insurance policy to go to widowed Lake County veteran

CHICAGO – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, alongside Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, announced at a press conference Thursday that a resident in the 31st Senate District will receive $500,000 from a life insurance policy through the I-CASH program.

“My constituent was shocked when he learned that his wife had taken out a life insurance policy that added up to such a life-changing amount of money,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “However, far too often constituents are hesitant to believe my office when we call them about unclaimed property due to fear of fraud. It often takes my staff several contacts to gain trust.”

The State Treasurer’s Office reached the I-CASH program’s $2 billion mark in May by returning over $500,000 to a Lake County veteran whose late wife, also a veteran, had taken out a life insurance policy through a former employer, unbeknownst to the husband.

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Aquino leads new law to strengthen Medicaid system, improve reimbursement

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will boost reimbursement for critical health services supporting vulnerable children and families, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino aimed at strengthening the Medicaid system.

“In Illinois, we are advancing equity by investing in the residents and health care providers who deserve a better system that meets their needs,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “These much-needed rate increases will support safety net hospitals, children’s health centers, mental health providers and programs that ensure the health and well-being of vulnerable children and families across our state.”

Read more: Aquino leads new law to strengthen Medicaid system, improve reimbursement