Morrison heartbroken by line of duty death of DCFS employee
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement regarding the tragic loss of life of Deidra Silas, a Department of Children and Family Services’ employee. Silas was stabbed to death in Thayer Tuesday afternoon while performing a home visit.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of Deidre Silas, a dedicated DCFS employee. Her top priority was helping some of the most vulnerable, at-risk children in our state. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Deidre.
“This is not the first employee death we have seen at DCFS in recent years. I, alongside other legislators, will immediately call upon Director Smith to review the agency’s policies to ensure no other life of someone called to protect our children is brutally lost.”
Lightford announces Jan. 1 increase in minimum wage
- Details
MAYWOOD – Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), is excited to announce the new $12 per hour minimum wage in Illinois is starting Jan. 1, 2022.
“Even before the pandemic, many working families were struggling,” Lightford, chief sponsor of the 2019 law raising the minimum wage, said. “This increase won’t solve all of their problems, but it will surely help.”
Read more: Lightford announces Jan. 1 increase in minimum wage
Murphy: You have an additional three months to renew expired driver’s licenses
- Details
DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is reminding Illinois drivers they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.
“Throughout the pandemic, our local secretary of state offices have prioritized the health and safety of its workers and our community,” Murphy said. “By extending the deadline, we are giving everyone a fair chance to get their licenses renewed on time without waiting in line for hours.”
Read more: Murphy: You have an additional three months to renew expired driver’s licenses
Belt law removes standardized test requirement for university acceptance starting Jan. 1
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, students who wish to attend an Illinois public college or university will no longer be required to submit ACT and SAT scores when applying, thanks to a law championed by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).
“Standardized test scores do not showcase a student’s ability,” Belt said. “Students struggle each year to do well on ACT and SAT tests. Removing this requirement will help test-anxious students get into college.”
Read more: Belt law removes standardized test requirement for university acceptance starting Jan. 1
More Articles …
Page 573 of 807
Follow ILSenDems
Member News
-
Johnson declares Menopause Awareness Week
SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a condition that will be faced by more than half of all Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare Oct. 11-17, 2026 Menopause Awareness Week. “Highlighting menopause is vital to gua... -
Morrison champions resolution declaring September 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month
DEERFIELD — Bringing awareness to genetic disorders, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a resolution in the Senate declaring September 2026 as Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in Illinois. “Muscular Dystrophy is a group of progressive and dege... -
Fine declares Nov. 12 Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day
SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the essential role genetic counselors play in modern health care, State Senator Laura Fine has advanced a resolution designating Nov. 12, 2026 as Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day in Illinois. “Genetic counselors help famil... -
Collins applauds new jobs coming to the 5th District through Mars Snacking expansion
CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is applauding a new investment from Mars Snacking that will bring jobs and economic growth to the 5th District, strengthening the local economy and creating new opportunities for working families. “This investm... -
Simmons champions legislation to protect SNAP recipients from fraud and to establish payday advance services regulation
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday with Senate colleagues to champion legislation he has filed to protect SNAP recipients from fraud as well as regulate payday advance services. “My colleagues and I are determi...
(217) 782-2728
321 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
(312) 814-2075
160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601