Senate Labor Committee Chair Holmes highlights Safe & Sound Week

Nationwide and Illinois Department of Labor Event to Promote Health and Safety Programs in the Workplace

AURORA – Illinois State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), who chairs the Senate Labor Committee, is joining with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to promote health and safety programs during Safe and Sound Week, August 9-15.

The annual August event recognizes successful health and safety programs, and offers information and plans to keep workers safe on the job.

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Murphy: New pedestrian safety law will make roads safer, prevent heartbreak

SPRINGFIELD – To identify problem areas on state roads and allow residents to drive, bike and walk safely in their communities, a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to look more closely into traffic accidents on state highways that result in the death of a pedestrian.

“Even one pedestrian fatality is too many,” Murphy said. “By working proactively to pinpoint areas of concern and make immediate improvements, we can make our roads safer and prevent injury and death.”

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Senate Appropriations, Commerce Committees to hold joint hearing on Back 2 Business grant program

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) and members of the Senate Appropriations and Commerce Committees will hold a joint hearing Thursday, Aug. 12 at noon to discuss the Back 2 Business small business recovery program. 

“It has remained a top priority of mine to help all small businesses build back better,” said Sims, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “And I’m especially eager to ensure dollars reach the communities hardest hit by the pandemic.”

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ISBE to collect information on violence in schools under Murphy law

SPRINGFIELD – To better understand the prevalence of bullying and violence in Illinois schools, a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) will strengthen incident reporting requirements.

“Nationwide rates of violence between students are alarming—to ensure we’re keeping our students safe, we need a deeper understanding of the issue in Illinois,” Murphy said. “The first step toward solving any problem is gathering information.”

Read more: ISBE to collect information on violence in schools under Murphy law