Van Pelt expands TANF for formerly incarcerated

SPRINGFIELD – Any person who has been convicted for a drug-related offense under state or federal law is currently prohibited from being eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) led an initiative to reverse that, which was signed by the governor Friday.

“Even after people serve their time, they still struggle when reentering society, and have many rights continuously taken from them,” Van Pelt. “They are released and everything around them has changed, except their ability to fend for themselves has become harder due to their status.”

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Koehler’s Vegetable Garden Protection Act signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents will have their right to grow vegetable gardens protected thanks to legislation presented by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that was signed into law Friday.

“Every Illinoisan should have the option to grow their own food and increase their self-sufficiency without unnecessary oversight or regulations,” Koehler said. “I’m glad to see this legislation signed into law as I know it will expand options for people across the state when it comes to providing for themselves and their families.”

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Feigenholtz teams up with Senate Colleagues

Creates Historic Statewide Affordable Housing Law

CHICAGO – More Illinois residents will have affordable housing options thanks to a measure championed by a team of State Senators Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) that was signed into law Thursday.

“One of Illinois’ biggest challenges has always been affordable housing, which was amplified during the pandemic,” Feigenholtz said. “Housing was our top priority this legislative session. Finding a way to provide incentives to local mom-and-pop landlords and new developments to keep rent affordable for future and existing tenants was the goal of this legislation.”

Read more: Feigenholtz teams up with Senate Colleagues

Cullerton urges U.S. Congress to compensate National Guard for D.C. safety mission

VILLA PARK – As chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is calling on the U.S. Congress to repay debt owed to the National Guard for their service providing security to the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the Jan. 6 riots.

“The riots at our nations’ capital were a scary time for many,” Cullerton said. “Hundreds of men and women from Illinois were sent with the National Guard to assist in the aftermath of those riots, putting their safety on the line to protect the Capitol. It is only fair for them to be fully compensated for their duties.”

Read more: Cullerton urges U.S. Congress to compensate National Guard for D.C. safety mission