Stronger consumer fraud protections for veterans signed into law, thanks to Porfirio and Kifowit

SPRINGFIELD – To protect our nation’s veterans from predatory business practices, State Senator Mike Porfirio and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit championed a new law combating businesses using deceptive practices to target veterans and their benefits.

“Our veterans are true American heroes and they deserve to have protections in all facets of their lives, especially when it comes to their hard-earned benefits,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a U.S. Navy veteran. “By protecting our veterans from exploitation, we’re making certain they have the support and respect they deserve and taking a crucial step forward in honoring their dedicated service.”

Read more: Stronger consumer fraud protections for veterans signed into law, thanks to Porfirio and Kifowit

Villa law establishes language access framework

SPRINGFIELD – Under the Language Equity and Access Act, a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa, individuals whose primary language is not English will have access to essential state services.

“Our diverse communities have consistently shared their challenges when accessing essential state services due to language barriers that sometimes make an already confusing process much more difficult,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “State agencies should be equipped to provide services to any resident, regardless of their proficiency in English.”

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Morrison law to protect nursing home residents

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure consistent quality of care for residents when their nursing home changes ownership, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a new law requiring facilities to develop comprehensive transition plans.

“Nursing home residents should always receive high-quality care, even during facility ownership transitions” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law requires transfer plans from current owners to new owners to ensure nothing gets over looked.”

Senate Bill 3115 will require owners of a facility to submit a transition plan detailing how resident care and appropriate staffing levels will be maintained throughout the process of shifting ownership. 

Read more: Morrison law to protect nursing home residents

Lightford fights for equitable funding for higher education

MAYWOOD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is working to transform how Illinois funds its higher education system through newly-filed legislation that would take a student-centered approach. 

“Despite education’s paramount importance, the disparity in funding among higher educational institutions remains dreadfully evident,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This imbalance not only undermines the principle of equal opportunity but also hampers our collective progress as a society.”

Lightford was instrumental in creating the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding in 2021. Over the last two years, the 30-person commission studied if public institutions of higher education are in dire need of a new funding model when serving underrepresented and historically underserved student groups, including Black and Brown students, as well as students from low-income families.

Read more: Lightford fights for equitable funding for higher education