Belt advances measure to help recruit volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel

SPRINGFIELD – To recruit more volunteer firefighters, a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that would provide an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday.

“After hearing from local fire departments, it is clear we need to find a way to get more people to sign up to join our volunteer fire departments,” Belt said. “It is my hope that providing a tax credit for volunteers who serve at least nine months will encourage more long-term volunteers.”

Senate Bill 3027 would provide a $500 income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who are a member or work for a fire department or fire protection district for at least nine months and do not receive more than $10,000 for their volunteer services during the taxable year. Current law does not provide a tax credit. Other states that offer a similar credit include New York, Iowa and Maryland.

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Hunter bill seeks to address CPS teacher shortage

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advanced a measure from the Senate Pensions Committee on Wednesday to address the teacher shortage in Chicago Public Schools.

“This teacher shortage is affecting schools nationally as well as in our state,” Hunter said. “We must do everything we can to ensure qualified teachers are in the classrooms so that our children can get the education they deserve.”

Senate Bill 4000 would allow retired members of Chicago Teachers Pension Fund to be re-employed as a teacher or administrator for up to 140 days on a temporary non-annual basis without his or her retirement annuity being cancelled. 

Read more: Hunter bill seeks to address CPS teacher shortage

Fine to increase mental and behavioral health workforce

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is leading a measure aimed at growing the mental health professional workforce in Illinois, as the current workforce is struggling to keep up with increasing demand.

“The shortage of behavioral health care professionals is a huge roadblock for people seeking quality mental health care,” said Sen. Fine. “I am committed to addressing this pressing issue to ensure people have access to the best mental health care possible, and that providers are supported during these unprecedented times.”

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely because of this gap. This can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.

To address these issues, SB 3617 focuses on expanding the current workforce. It will accelerate the process for out of state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois, as well as suspending requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with licenses that have been inactive for five years. Additionally, it includes initiatives to support diversity in the mental health field, establishing tax credits, and many more provisions, all of which will encourage more quality, accessible care to those seeking assistance.

“It takes bravery to reach out to get treatment for a mental or behavioral health condition,” Fine said. “I hope that this measure will not only reduce the gap between available providers and patients, but also encourage people to find the provider that is the best fit for their mental health needs.”  

Senate Bill 3617 passed the Behavioral and Mental Health committee Tuesday. It now goes to the Senate floor for debate.

Sims advances measure to streamline local police investigations

SPRINGFIELD— To address underreported and unsolved missing persons cases, particularly those involving people of color, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. advanced a measure to streamline the investigative process from the Senate Local Government Committee on Tuesday.  

“It pains me to hear a mother’s cry on national television begging the public for assistance in finding a child that’s gone missing,” said Sims. “The first step is acknowledging the large disparity that exists in the lack of urgency and coverage.”

Senate Bill 3932 would require a coroner or medical examiner with custody of human remains that are not identified within 72 hours of discovery to immediately notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation for assistance in identification.

Read more: Sims advances measure to streamline local police investigations