Johnson commends new law to invest in child care for first responders

SPRINGFIELD – The governor signed a plan into law with support from State Senator Adriane Johnson to invest in child care services for workers with non-traditional schedules, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and more.

“First responders and other third shift emergency workers have difficulty finding reliable child care,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By creating the Off-hours Child Care Program Fund, Illinois is working to increase accessibility for parents in public service who work non-traditional hours.”

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Social workers to see expanded student loan relief under new Gillespie law

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A measure to assist social workers with paying off their degrees, introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie, was signed into law on Friday.

“Incentivizing students of social work to start their careers in Illinois will help our local governments recruit the qualified professionals they need, while mitigating the student debt crisis,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

Senate Bill 3761 expands the School Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program to include social workers employed by an Illinois municipality. Currently, the program offers up to $6,500 in student loan assistance to borrowers who have been employed at a school for at least one year.

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Hastings’ law to expand access to utility bill relief goes into effect

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ law to expand access to utility bill assistance programs goes into effect today.

“This law will give those struggling a chance to get back on their feet,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “As we prepare for extreme summer weather, helping residents stay safe in their homes has never been more important.”

Under Senate Bill 265, families under 60% of the Illinois median income level are now eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). Additionally the legislation establishes a priority application period for households with children under age 6 and extends LIHEAP and PIPP availability to all eligible low-income residents.

Read more: Hastings’ law to expand access to utility bill relief goes into effect

Simmons Led Mental Health Curriculum Becomes Law

CHICAGO- Youth in Illinois will now begin to receive specialized education on mental health resources after a measure championed by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) becomes law.

“This measure addresses a critical gap in the support systems that we need to offer our youth to be able to remain emotionally well,” Simmons said. “Our youth have been so resilient during these past few years, but many of the broader issues amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic have put a severe strain on the mental health of our young people. It’s imperative that we prioritize the mental health and well-being of our young people and center the experiences they are voicing and actually living through.”

Read more: Simmons Led Mental Health Curriculum Becomes Law