Loughran Cappel commends new law investing in child care for first responders

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Loughran Cappel supported a plan that was signed into law investing in child care services for workers with non-traditional schedules, such as law enforcement officers, freighters, EMS personnel and more.

“Finding high quality, dependable, and affordable child care for children can be a challenge for any working parent, but is especially difficult for first responders and other third shift emergency workers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’m thrilled that this new law will help fund child care for parents in public service working non-traditional hours so they can have peace of mind when they are serving our communities.”

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New Joyce supported law encourages the purchase of Illinois-made vehicles

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now have an added incentive to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce signed this month. 

“The new law supports vehicles manufactured right here in Illinois,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I have an Illinois first mentality when it comes to supporting new legislation.”

Illinoisans purchasing cars and passenger trucks manufactured in-state will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title under Senate Bill 3609. Consumers would have one year from the month the vehicle was manufactured to apply for the rebate.

“This is good for our economy, it encourages the purchase of goods manufactured here in Illinois,” said Joyce. 

The legislation will go into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Village of Manhattan’s South Park Street to see $725,000 in infrastructure improvement thanks to Senator Joyce

MANHATTAN – The village of Manhattan will soon see $725,000 in improvements on South Park Street thanks to State Senator Patrick Joyce’s support of the state’s major multi-year infrastructure plan.

“Investing in these crucial improvements now will make the lives of our residents and visitors easier for years to come,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is another boost to our recovering economy as we move forward from the worst of the pandemic.”

A total of $725,000 has been allocated through the next disbursement of Rebuild Illinois program funding to improve and reconstruct South Park Street from 1^st Street to North Street. This project in the district Joyce represents is one of 34 projects announced Tuesday totaling $50.7 million. 

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Hunter law to incentivize representation in health care

SPRINGFIELD – A lack of diversity amongst health care professionals can lead to disparities in treatment, which is why State Senator Mattie Hunter sponsored a new law to incentivize representation in health care.

More than half of practicing physicians are white, and only 17% are Asian, 6% are Hispanic, and 5% are Black.

“Diversity in the health care industry is so important, and it is proven to benefit patients’ quality of life,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “When patients have professionals that look like them, there is increased trust, communication, and an enhanced understanding of values.”

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