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Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
Edly-Allen, Morrison champion measures to combat online harassment
Edly-Allen, Morrison champion measures to combat online harassment
Bipartisan group of Senators outline critical response plan for schools, law enforcement
Bipartisan group of Senators outline critical response plan for schools, law enforcement
Edly-Allen passes measure to crack down on harmful “deepfakes”
Edly-Allen passes measure to crack down on harmful “deepfakes”
Senate Democrats honor fallen firefighters at Springfield ceremony
Senate Democrats honor fallen firefighters at Springfield ceremony

Hunter creates joint cause scratch-off lottery game

Details
Thursday, May 25, 2023 04:20 PM

Sen. Mattie Hunter

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a bill that will equitably distribute proceeds from specialty lottery scratch-off tickets, as well as create two new causes to provide educational opportunities to Black and Brown youth.

“By establishing a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game, we are providing an opportunity for our residents to contribute to causes that make a meaningful impact in our communities,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This legislation will streamline operations and better distribute proceeds — ultimately benefiting both the Illinois Lottery and the causes it supports.”

Senate Bill 1508 amends the Illinois Lottery Law by introducing a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game, which will combine specialty causes into one ticket — limited to 10 causes at any given time — and split the proceeds equally among the causes. Currently, there are eight separate specialty cause scratch-off games benefiting breast cancer research, veterans assistance, multiple sclerosis research, HIV/AIDS prevention, Special Olympics, police memorials, homelessness prevention programs, and Alzheimer’s care. Under the current structure, the Illinois Lottery faces several challenges, including disproportionate proceeds from various specialty games.

Read more: Hunter creates joint cause scratch-off lottery game

Senator Fine passes rate review legislation, prevents excessive rate increases on health insurance

Details
Thursday, May 25, 2023 03:08 PM

Sen. Laura Fine

SPRINGFIELD – Between 2013 and 2021, health care costs increased by 25% causing Illinoisans to spend, on average, over $7,000 on healthcare per person. In order to protect consumers and small businesses from excessive insurance premium increases, State Senator Laura Fine sponsored House Bill 2296, which would require the state to review and approve health insurance rate changes and make the process more transparent.

“Since becoming a legislator, I have been a fierce consumer advocate to provide quality, affordable healthcare to Illinois residents,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This initiative empowers the Department of Insurance to reject unsubstantiated increases in insurance premiums and provides essential transparency to the process.”

House Bill 2296 protects consumers by giving the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) the authority to approve, modify, or deny excessive premium rate increases for individuals and small businesses. The legislation would also provide transparency on the process of insurance plans changing their rates by requiring DOI to post proposed rates on their website with space for members of the public to comment.

Read more: Senator Fine passes rate review legislation, prevents excessive rate increases on health insurance

Senator Halpin’s legislation gives more in-state students access to Illinois universities

Details
Thursday, May 25, 2023 09:00 AM

Sen. Mike Halpin

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced House Bill 301 through the Senate, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program.

“If we want students here in Illinois to take advantage of our four-year universities, then we need to do something that actually makes it easier,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This legislation is for working families who need just a little help paying for college and is a serious step in expanding access to higher education for Illinois residents, providing part-time students expanded opportunities as well.”

Beginning with the 2019-20 academic year, The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) has provided merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities. AIM HIGH-participating universities are required to provide matching funding for institutional awards for students who meet certain eligibility requirements, as well as those established by each individual university.

Read more: Senator Halpin’s legislation gives more in-state students access to Illinois universities

Cunningham, Gill put the red light camera industry on notice

Details
Monday, May 22, 2023 12:38 PM

cunningham 052223SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham championed legislation to establish ethical guidelines to address ongoing concerns in the red light camera industry.

“We have seen numerous bad actors throughout local and state government,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation will put roadblocks in place to ensure that bad actors are punished for their crimes.”

Read more: Cunningham, Gill put the red light camera industry on notice

  1. Senator Fine celebrates Unplug Illinois Day
  2. Castro package to improve equity in procurement, state contracts clears Senate
  3. Feigenholtz law will keep license plate camera data private to protect those accessing reproductive health care
  4. Lightford expands support for student mental health

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Morrison, Holmes advocate for drone use by law enforcement for public safety
Morrison, Holmes advocate for drone use by law enforcement for public safety
SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Linda Holmes and Julie Morrison worked together to pass a measure to enhance public safety through the use of drones following two separate mass shooting tragedies...

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Hastings works to increase college affordability
Hastings works to increase college affordability
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings fought for a significant milestone in the expansion of the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program. “This monumental legislation makes greater investments in our children,”...

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Lightford on FY 24 Budget: This is a positive investment for our children
Lightford on FY 24 Budget: This is a positive investment for our children
SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) declared the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget a positive investment for our state’s children – prioritizing education, youth employment and mental...

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Preston: New Budget offers more equitable, advantageous opportunities across Illinois
Preston: New Budget offers more equitable, advantageous opportunities across Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – During his first year in office, State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) was proud to support a budget that prioritizes education from birth to college, enhances workforce development, and...

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Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities
Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio helped spearhead a measure through the Senate making significant strides to expand the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program. “Making the AIM HIGH program permanent will...

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Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the success of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget Thursday, continuing the state on a path...

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