Pacione-Zayas celebrates new law making gender change on birth certificate more accessible

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas is proud to support a new law making it easier for people to change their gender on their birth certificate, as well as waiving fees for people in certain groups to order a new birth certificate.

“This law will be life-saving for many transgender and nonbinary people in our state, who will now be able to live more fully as themselves,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “I am so proud to be a part of this fight for equality, and that our transgender siblings will be able to change their documentation more quickly and without risking their safety.”

Read more: Pacione-Zayas celebrates new law making gender change on birth certificate more accessible

Belt supported measure provides Metro East residents with financial relief

SPRINGFIELD – Metro East residents will soon be able to receive a rebate on their monthly energy bill, thanks to a measure supported by State Senator Christopher Belt.

“People have to be able to efficiently heat and cool their homes during the hot summer months and cold winters,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “As energy prices rise across the country, we are providing residents with much needed assistance.”

Read more: Belt supported measure provides Metro East residents with financial relief

Villa sponsors measure to address school bus driver shortage

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Karina Villa championed a bill that will cut down on the school bus driver shortage.

“Accessible transportation to and from school is important to provide to our students,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This bill will help provide transportation to our students by clarifying confusing training requirement for bus drivers of vehicles of different sizes.”

Senator Villa, alongside the Secretary of State’s office, streamlined the training and permit process for school bus drivers. House Bill 1688 will establish an initial course and annual refresher training courses for Small School Bus Driver Permits and maintain the existing courses for Larger School Bus Driver Permits.

Read more: Villa sponsors measure to address school bus driver shortage

Johnson supports initiative to increase funding for affordable housing program

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure equitable and affordable housing in Illinois, State Senator Adriane Johnson supported a measure to increase the Rental Housing Support Program’s budget.  

“In today’s climate many people are struggling to meet basic necessities such as monthly rent,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It’s imperative that we funnel funding back into our communities through programs such as Illinois Rental Housing Support Program in order to better assist our neighbors in meeting those needs."

Read more: Johnson supports initiative to increase funding for affordable housing program