Simmons passes bill to strengthen marriage equality in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen marriage equality for same-sex couples looking to get married in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a bill from the Senate on Thursday.

“There have been attacks on same-sex couples and marriages all across the nation, and the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision to repeal Roe v. Wade has raised questions of the court’s intention to undermine Obergefell v. Hodges, which protects same-sex couples’ right to marry,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will protect same-sex marriages in Illinois and help same-sex couples in other states coming to Illinois.”

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Peters changes the definition of a delinquent minor

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Illinois Supreme Court decision in The People of the State of Illinois v. Kelan W., State Senator Robert Peters’ measure changing the definition of a delinquent minor passed the Senate Thursday.

“Illinois courts should not be able to prosecute minors for violations of another state’s laws,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This measure prevents an overreach of power, which can blur the lines between the role Illinois has on other states’ criminal justice systems and vice versa.”

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Senator Preston to remove outdated, antiquated language from criminal law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie passed a measure to remove all references to the death penalty in criminal statutes.

“The language we use influences attitudes and behavior,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “It’s important that we clean up the language used in our laws to avoid creating unconscious biases.”

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Pacione-Zayas to expand and improve dual language instruction in schools

SPRINGFIELD – Dual language education may soon be more accessible to Illinois students, thanks to a new measure sponsored by State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas.

“Dual language instruction can be transformative for a student, expanding their future career opportunities and strengthening their connection to their culture and develop a global view,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Improving our dual language offerings will help young people become more well-rounded and have a better understanding of themselves and the world.”

Currently, Illinois supports bilingual education programs by maintaining an advisory council on bilingual education, which reports to the Illinois State Board of Education. However, this council is only required to provide recommendations to best support students and families participating in ESL, or English as a Second Language. While these recommendations are important, this council could use its insights — as an important table of academics with expertise in various programs of bilingual education — to also study dual language instruction across the state and provide recommendations on how to support these programs.

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