Cunningham passes new law to help veterans

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure through the Illinois Senate that makes it easier for a veteran non-profit to fundraise.

“This bill helps a public-private network provide more support services for our veterans,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “When veterans need assistance, it only makes sense to give the Illinois Joining Forces network a greater ability to fundraise.”

House Bill 5542 makes several changes to the Illinois Joining Forces network at their request. The bill removes the executive board, which allows the foundation to add an additional 18 members, nine of which can be appointed by the foundation themselves, to assist with fundraising.

Read more: Cunningham passes new law to help veterans

Peters bill to grant Chicago principals the right to unionize passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters is leading a measure that would allow principals and assistant principals in the city of Chicago to collectively bargain.

“For far too long, Chicago principals have not had a say in the work environment and procedures that affect them, as well as their students,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Chicago principals have a voice when it comes to their working conditions, and their voice deserves to be heard and valued.”

By clarifying which educators are considered qualifies “managerial employees”, House Bill 5107 ensures principals and assistant principals in Chicago will have the right to unionize.

Read more: Peters bill to grant Chicago principals the right to unionize passes Senate

Advocates rally at Illinois State Capitol to push for ban on assault weapons

SPRINGFIELD – Survivors of gun violence, gun safety advocates and faith leaders visited the Illinois State Capitol Thursday to host a rally encouraging lawmakers to pass legislation banning assault weapons in Illinois.

“I support banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines because I am a father to two young sons,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) at the rally. “As we approach this opportunity to take a monumental step forward to achieve true public safety for all of us, I am reminded of my kids and the stories we’ve heard day in and day out of children who have been lost to gun violence. No parent should have to carry that pain.”

Read more: Advocates rally at Illinois State Capitol to push for ban on assault weapons

Senate approves Feigenholtz measure to create tourism preservation and sustainability regions

SPRINGFIELD – To help municipalities, business owners and convention bureaus promote local tourist activities and attract visitors to all corners of Illinois, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a measure to create the Tourism Preservation and Sustainability District Act.

“Tourism and hospitality are top revenue-generating industries that drive our state forward,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee. “House Bill 268 will bring Illinois in line with 19 other states that utilize tourism preservation and sustainability districts to promote regional interests and bring visitors, revenue and jobs back to their state.”

House Bill 268 would allow hotel owners to petition a county, municipality or township to create a tourism preservation and sustainability district through ordinance. Hotel and lodging businesses within the district can opt to impose a 5% or less transaction fee on their room rates, to be collected by the local unit of government. These revenues would go to a state-certified Convention and Visitors Bureau or existing tourism nonprofit for marketing, sales efforts, events and other local promotional activities that enhance area tourism.

Read more: Senate approves Feigenholtz measure to create tourism preservation and sustainability regions