Simmons Passes Expansion to Jett Hawkins Act Protecting Religious Hairstyles Through the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate on Wednesday that would expand the 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in private schools throughout the state.

“I fought hard to pass the Jett Hawkins Act,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Now, Illinois is expanding protections to include hairstyles and facial hair in public schools specific to Jewish faith and tradition, specifically the Orthodox tradition, as a condition of registration or recognition with ISBE or the State.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3361, would require private, non-religious schools to affirm they will not prohibit religious hairstyles or hair-related religious practices, including facial hair worn pursuant to a student’s or employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs, in order to register with the Illinois State Board of Education.

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Stadelman advances stronger safeguards for domestic abuse survivors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate that would strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and stalking by eliminating gaps that can occur between emergency and final orders of protection, ensuring continuous enforcement during the transition.

“This proposal came directly from a real situation where someone’s safety was put at risk because of a delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We shouldn’t allow technicalities to override common sense when it comes to protecting victims.”

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State ensures support for gambling addictions through the Illinois Department of Human Services thanks to Morrison

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison led a measure that would provide addiction services and resources to Illinoisans affected by gambling disorders.

“Gambling addictions have long burdened residents and families across Illinois – financially destroying lives and creating long-term mental health distress,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By classifying gambling as a disorder through the Department of Humans Services, the state will be able to provide addiction services to those affected.”

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, roughly 3.8% of adult Illinoisans are considered to have a gambling problem, with an additional 7.7% at risk of developing a gambling problem. 

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Villanueva joins advocates to fight for higher wages for home care workers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined SEIU Healthcare, seniors and advocates at a rally at the Illinois State Capitol on Thursday to demand equitable wages for home care workers under the Community Care Program.

“I know first-hand how demanding home care work is, as it was home care workers who stepped in when my grandmother was ill – ensuring she was clean, fed, took her medicine on time and, most importantly, could continue living in her community with dignity,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “We must work to pass this measure to ensure their wages are reflective of their effort, and I am determined to lead that fight in Springfield this spring.”

Read more: Villanueva joins advocates to fight for higher wages for home care workers