Peters’ expansion to Reimagine Public Safety Act becomes law

Chicago – More communities are a step closer to addressing the problem of firearm violence related crimes after State Senator Robert Peters’ (D-Chicago) measure to bring gun violence prevention training and services to more areas was signed into law.

“The recent rise in gun violence will not be addressed until we change the policies that disproportionately have a negative impact on Black and Brown communities,” Peters said. “Soon, we will be able to work hand-in-hand with affected communities, intervening with at risk youth, supporting survivors and working from the bottom-up rather than the top-down. People in Illinois deserve public safety for all, not theater.”

Read more: Peters’ expansion to Reimagine Public Safety Act becomes law

Murphy on shakeup at Illinois Tollway: What signal are we sending to consumers of the tollway?

CHICAGO – Concerned about the ethics and transparency of recent moves made by top leaders of the Illinois Tollway, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) called a hearing Tuesday to push for answers regarding the sudden change in the quasi-governmental agency’s chain of command.

“We must ensure that we are providing the most transparent process by effectively and efficiently operating the Tollway,” Murphy said. “This is significant to the consumers of the Tollway.”

Read more: Murphy on shakeup at Illinois Tollway: What signal are we sending to consumers of the tollway?

Human Trafficking Task Force receives new appointments

SPRINGFIELD – The Human Trafficking Task Force welcomes three new members to develop plans to confront human trafficking in response to the growing number of missing women and girls, particularly women and girls of color, in the state.

“I was proud to sponsor the legislation creating the Human Trafficking Task Force that will have a special focus on the disproportionate number of missing Black girls and women in Illinois,” State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) said. “These crimes are hiding in plain sight and represent a form of industrialized kidnapping and modern-day slavery.” 

The task force is responsible for studying human trafficking in the state and giving recommendations to the General Assembly on how to fight it. These efforts are intended to address abduction in the state, which affects all people regardless of demographics such as age, citizenship and gender.

Read more: Human Trafficking Task Force receives new appointments

Senator Fine: Spotlight on lack of resources for youth mental health services

CHICAGO – Concerned about the lack of resources for youth residential mental health services, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) led a joint hearing Wednesday with the Senator Behavioral and Mental Health Committee and the House Mental Health and Addiction Committee.

“The resources available for residential and inpatient mental health services for children across Illinois are severely lacking,” Senator Fine said. “This has been a crisis for a long time, but the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have put it in the spotlight.”

Read more: Senator Fine: Spotlight on lack of resources for youth mental health services