Guzmán law improves health, safety and dignity on construction jobsites

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s legislation, developed in partnership with Chicago Women in Trades, to improve sanitation, workplace accommodations and access to menstrual products on construction jobsites has been signed into law.

“Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and have access to safe, sanitary working conditions,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “For too long, construction workers who menstruate, are pregnant or are lactating have been expected to work without the most basic accommodations. These are not special privileges. They are common-sense workplace standards that help more women and transgender folks to enter, stay in and thrive in the trades.”

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Stadelman law strengthens orders of protection for Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law, closing a gap that could leave victims vulnerable between an emergency order of protection and the service of a final order of protection.

“When court determines that survivor needs a final order of protection, that protection should never be interrupted because of an administrative delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will ensure an order of protection remains fully enforceable throughout the process and will give survivors greater certainty that the legal protections granted to them will remain in place.”

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Patients, clients to be protected from sexual abuse in state’s health care system under Villanueva law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a new law that will implement stricter, mandatory reporting requirements when a patient or client experiences sexual abuse or misconduct perpetrated by a licensed health care professional.

“Being assaulted or exploited doesn’t only cause physical harm, but it also leads to severe, long-lasting emotional turmoil and often times completely eradicates that patient’s trust in our health care system,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Health care professionals across this country take an oath to do no harm, so when a doctor, nurse, practitioner, clinician or any other professional takes advantage of their patient, they must be swiftly brought to justice.”

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Villa law expands scholarship opportunities for school social workers

 SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa, aspiring school social workers will have expanded opportunities to receive a scholarship.

“Expanding opportunities for people pursuing their education and licensure is critical to address the current shortage of behavioral health providers, especially in schools,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “With the rates of anxiety and depression in young people on the rise, ensuring more capable professionals become school social workers is essential.”

House Bill 5460 will expand scholarship opportunities for school social workers by allowing School Social Worker scholarships awarded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to be used at private, not-for-profit institutions in addition to public universities. 

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