Hastings’ champions new law to provide mental health resources to first responders

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois now has a new law on the books to address the growing need for mental health services for first responders, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored House Bill 1321, which creates the First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program to provide grants to municipalities, law enforcement agencies, fire protection and school districts, hospitals and ambulance services. It was signed into law on Friday.

“Every day our brave officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” Hastings said. “First responders across Illinois have difficult jobs and often find themselves in high stress situations. This new program will help provide municipalities and law enforcement agencies among many others offer better services for officers looking for the tools to check in on their mental health.”

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Stadelman law gives power to survivors of abuse who file orders of protection

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman joined domestic violence prevention advocates Tuesday to celebrate the recent signing of a law he championed to protect and empower survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

“The burden of trauma and abuse can weigh heavily on the lives of victims coping with their grief, and this law can help them take the first steps towards healing,” Stadelman (D-Rockford) said. “We are empowering survivors by giving them the choice to file for protective orders in the comfort and safety of their own home. By doing this, we are giving them the chance to move forward at their own pace.”

Stadelman’s measure, Public Act 102-0853, gives people the option to file a protective order either online or in-person. The law also requires any court in a county with a population above 250,000 to offer the option of a remote hearing to the petitioner for a protective order. It allows both the petitioner and the respondent to appear for related hearings remotely or in-person – and the courts would also have the discretion to grant or deny the request for a remote hearing.

Read more: Stadelman law gives power to survivors of abuse who file orders of protection

North Chicago’s Sheridan Crossing development to see $2 million in infrastructure improvement thanks to Senator Morrison

NORTH CHICAGO – The City of North Chicago will soon see $2 million in improvements at the Sheridan Crossing development thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison’s support of the state’s major multi-year infrastructure plan.

“This simple investment into our community will go a long way in serving the residents of North Chicago and the surrounding area,” Morrison said. “That’s why I was proud to support the Rebuild Illinois Plan – because it’s not just about infrastructure, it’s about community.”

A total of $2 million has been allocated through the next disbursement of Rebuild Illinois program funding to install public utilities and roadways at the Sheridan Crossing development. The project in the district Morrison represents is one of 34 projects announced Tuesday totaling $50.7 million. 

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Martwick-supported measure to support mental health of first responders becomes law

Springfield - First responders will soon have access to additional mental health resources after a new measure supported by Senator Robert Martwick providing behavioral health grants to law enforcement agencies and local governments was signed into law.
"First responders are frequently exposed to trauma,” said Martwick (D - Chicago). “Lack of access to mental health care for first responders contributes to high turnover and rising suicide rates. First responders need and deserve to have access to mental health services.”
The new law creates a First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program, which will award grants to local governments and law enforcement agencies to support the behavioral health care needs of first responders.

Read more: Martwick-supported measure to support mental health of first responders becomes law