Villanueva, Williams law to expand economic opportunities for job seekers and employment social enterprises across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Marking a significant milestone for Employment Social Enterprises and the thousands of Illinois residents they serve, a new law that will provide ESEs with greater access to business assistance programs, technical support, grants, loans and procurement opportunities was signed into law Friday, thanks to support from State Senator Celina Villanueva and State Representative Jawaharial Williams.

“This legislation recognizes that economic development and workforce development go hand-in-hand," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Employment Social Enterprises prove every day that investing in people creates stronger businesses, stronger communities and a stronger Illinois economy. By ensuring these organizations have access to the same economic development resources available to other businesses, we’re opening new doors for innovation, job creation and economic opportunity for Illinoisans who have too often been left behind.”

ESEs are mission-driven, revenue-generating businesses that combine commercial enterprise with workforce development. These enterprises provide employment, job training and supportive services to individuals facing significant barriers to employment, including those with experiences of incarceration, homelessness, disabilities, substance use disorders and mental health challenges. In Illinois more than 1.7 million Illinoisans are justice impacted, more than 200,000 Illinoisans are experiencing housing instability and more than 2 million Illinoisans have a mental health condition.

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Loughran Cappel law requires medical professionals to enhance their menopause knowledge

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel was the driving force behind a new law that requires medical professionals to take courses educating them on menopause and perimenopause.

“Despite most women going through menopause, there haven’t been an appropriate amount of conversations or education on the subject for a long time,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “By teaching medical professionals how to recognize and manage menopause and perimenopause, we can ensure that women receive the best possible health care.” 

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Morrison champions new law strengthening plastic pollution prevention efforts

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison championed a new law strengthening prevention requirements against plastic pellet runoff to secure clean and healthy waterways for Illinois.

“Industrial plastic runoff continues to pollute our waterways ─ harming aquatic life, water quality and beach health across the Great Lakes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Providing regulations that secure a thriving environment, free from pollution, is imperative.”

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Peters’ new law supports victims’ access to justice

SPRINGFIELD — To address safety gaps and prioritize continuous protection for victims in Illinois’ justice system, State Senator Robert Peters led a law to secure petitioning eligibility for protective orders during criminal proceedings.

“All victims of violence deserve to feel protected in our state’s justice system, and they especially deserve to feel free from further harassment or abuse, which is exactly what this law ensures,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It is incredibly rare for victims to seek justice through legal avenues, so we must make sure that when victims come forward, we’re prioritizing their dignity and safety.”

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