Senate President Harmon applauds historic quantum research partnership

SPRINGFIELD –Senate President Don Harmon joined Governor JB Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and federal lawmakers to announce a historic partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Illinois that will develop a Quantum Proving Ground for research on the emerging technology.

“Just as technological innovation has changed our lives in ways we could never have imagined, quantum holds the promise of doing the same for the future,” said Harmon (D-Oak Park). “And that future will happen here.” 

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Fine law establishes guardrails for carbon capture industry

SPRINGFIELD – Due to our unique geology, Illinois has attracted interest from industry to pursue carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects. In response to this growing industry, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to ensure these projects meet some of the strongest environmental protections in the nation.

“Senate Bill 1289 secures long-term protections to keep Illinois communities safe and benefit from the growing carbon capture and sequestration industry,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “Over the course of many months, environmental advocates, unions, landowners and industry helped to establish robust safety requirements to protect our land and water, ensuring that corporations, not Illinois taxpayers, are held liable for operations and safety.”

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Koehler leads nation in protecting young influencers with new law in effect

SPRINGFIELD – Young social media influencers gained safeguards and protections this month thanks to newly-enacted legislation led by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Social media platforms have given our children new ways to connect, create and make a living,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “In many instances, parents use this opportunity to pocket the earnings while continuing to have their child make content for them.”

Senate Bill 1782 took effect July 1, extending protections under the Child Labor Law to minors age 16 or younger who are featured in vlogs or other online content. The law also requires the child –also known as a “kidfluencer”—to be accurately compensated.

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Two Rebuild Illinois investments become a reality in Metro East

EAST ST. LOUIS – As part of the historic $45 billion Rebuild Illinois Capital program backed by State Senator Christopher Belt, the Metro East area saw two major investments come to life– a new public safety center in Emerson Park Transit Center in East St. Louis and the new Southwestern Illinois College Manufacturing Training Apprenticeship Building in Belleville.

“These are the types of investments that will truly make a difference in our region,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With the Rebuild Illinois program, we are able to make facilities like this become a reality.”

The 16,000-square-foot public safety center includes a 911 Emergency Dispatch Center, office space for St. Clair County MetroLink Sheriff’s Deputies and public restrooms. The $15 million project expands on efforts to address safety through early intervention with Chestnut Health Systems launching a program in partnership with the St. Clair County Transit District to help address mental health needs. Care teams already have been deployed to assist riders with mental health and housing needs, as well as providing recommendations for food and other assistance.

Read more: Two Rebuild Illinois investments become a reality in Metro East