Faraci: children living with disabilities deserve better

CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1752, which aims to reduce the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services database.

The PUNS list currently has 14,806 individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver Services. As funding becomes available, individuals are selected from PUNS to apply for the waiver. However, the demand for these services far outweighs the available funding, leaving many individuals waiting for years to receive the assistance they need.

"The PUNS list has been a concern of mine for many years, and I am thrilled to introduce this bill that will help reduce the backlog of individuals waiting for developmental disability waiver services," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "Every person on the list is someone who needs help, and it's our duty to ensure that they receive the support they require to live a happy and fulfilling life."

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Women of the Illinois Senate participate in lifesaving CPR training

Springfield — Members of the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus are preparing themselves to make a lifesaving difference within their communities after participating in a Hands-Only CPR training course led by Illinois Heart Rescue and the American Heart Association on Thursday.

Organized by the bipartisan group of women senators, the training allowed all members of the Illinois Senate a convenient opportunity to learn how to perform Hands-Only CPR and the importance of knowing this lifesaving treatment.

“February is American Heart Month, National Wear Red Day was Feb. 3, and we celebrated #GoRedDay at the Capitol on Feb. 14. What better way to promote women’s heart health than to participate in Hands-Only CPR training, which I first learned about when portable defibrillators started to become available in public buildings,” said State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). “So today, members of the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus, other senators and legislative staff took time to learn Hands-Only CPR, which can make a tremendous difference in saving a life during an emergency.”

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Senators Pacione-Zayas, Simmons raise awareness for tipped workers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Mike Simmons – along with the One Fair Wage advocacy group – held a press conference Wednesday to outline their plan to give tipped employees across the state more financial stability.

“If you are paid as a tipped worker in Illinois, and earn a “subminimum wage,” you can leave your shift unable to pay for a single meal you served to customers that night,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Restaurant workers are essential to our society, and deserve a living wage. I am proud to lead legislation to end subminimum wages in Illinois, and ensure all workers are granted the dignity of being justly paid for their labor.”

Since the start of the pandemic, an estimated 27,000 Illinois restaurant workers have left the industry. In a recent survey, 53% of those who remain in the Illinois restaurant industry reported that they were considering leaving and 84% stated that the only thing that will make them stay or return to working in restaurants is a full livable wage in addition to the tips they receive.

Read more: Senators Pacione-Zayas, Simmons raise awareness for tipped workers

Senator Mike Porfirio introduces measure to expand Illinois Veterans Grant Program

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mike Porfirio has introduced Senate Bill 2422, aimed at increasing the eligibility requirements for the Illinois Veterans Grant Program.

The proposed legislation would revise the eligibility requirements for the grant program, allowing for a wider range of individuals to access it and receive educational assistance.  

"Illinois has a long and proud history of supporting our veterans and military personnel," said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “As a veteran myself, I am proud to be a voice for other veterans in our state.”

The expanded eligibility will incentivize those who left Illinois to serve their country to return to their home state while adding eligibility to those who come to Illinois to serve to stay here.

Read more: Senator Mike Porfirio introduces measure to expand Illinois Veterans Grant Program