Gillespie leads effort to guarantee legal counsel for foster youth

SPRINGFIELD — Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services often have several adults speaking on their behalf regarding what is in their best interest. To ensure youth have a say in their future and guaranteed legal representation, State Senator Ann Gillespie passed legislation out of the Senate on Friday.

“Youth in care are the experts when it comes to what they need; they should have a say in the decisions being made about their lives,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This legislation gives youth in care an attorney who will elevate their voice and advocate for their wishes.”

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Senator Fine fights plastic pollution, requires state agencies to restrict use of single-use plastic foodware

SPRINGFIELD –To ensure state operations are prioritizing environmental sustainability and not contributing to degradation, State Senator Laura Fine is leading an initiative to limit the consumption of single-use plastic foodware by state agencies over the next year.

“We need to be more conscious of how we use and dispose of single-use plastics and the impact they have on our environment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Illinois state agencies should be the role model of transitioning to sustainable, environmentally-friendly foodware.”

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Peters plan to help homeowners with delinquent property taxes heads to House

SPRINGFIELD – To study a potential payment plan program for owner-occupants to repay delinquent property taxes, State Senator Robert Peters passed a measure that would create the Property Tax Payment Plan Task Force.

“Homeownership is a symbol of social mobility in addition to being a source of equity,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “When greedy investors take advantage of homeowners who are behind on property tax payments, they aren’t just damaging the homeowner and their family, but also the generations after them.”

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Holmes halts unscrupulous pet stores’ non-compliance with state puppy mill consumer protection law

SPRINGFIELD – After Illinois enacted a law in 2021 to stop pet stores from selling pets from unscrupulous breeders, some of those establishments chose to skirt that law with a loophole. State Senator Linda Holmes passed a new piece of legislation on Thursday to close the loophole and protect pet lovers from overpriced puppies that are often bred in inhumane conditions.

“Apparently the shady breeders who spent millions of dollars lobbying to stop our efforts in 2021 wanted to continue their practices,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Many of my colleagues and I, as well as animal welfare supporters statewide, believe pets suffer and often don’t survive the greed and inhumane care this process is known for.”

Senate Bill 1230 changes the definitions of “dog dealer” and “animal shelter” to not include a person who sells dogs at retail to the public – which means selling companion animals at brick-and-mortar establishments that were obtained from breeders or brokers for compensation and not bred on its premises. This closes the loophole pet shop operators use to avoid obtaining dogs from animal shelters and instead from breeders.

Read more: Holmes halts unscrupulous pet stores’ non-compliance with state puppy mill consumer protection law