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Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns DHS Secretary’s Springfield visit

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns DHS Secretary’s Springfield visit

Senate Democrats honor fallen police officers at Springfield ceremony

Senate Democrats honor fallen police officers at Springfield ceremony

Illinois Senate Democrats commemorate local parks

Illinois Senate Democrats commemorate local parks

Morrison applauds $23 million investment in Vantive’s new Deerfield headquarters

Morrison applauds $23 million investment in Vantive’s new Deerfield headquarters

Fine outlines plan to test baby food for toxic heavy metals

Fine outlines plan to test baby food for toxic heavy metals

Villivalam outlines comprehensive public transit proposal

Details
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 04:11 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – From making public transit safer and more environmentally friendly to providing reduced fares and financial assistance for at-risk communities, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are leading a comprehensive public transit plan, which they outlined at a press conference Tuesday.

“Public transit is essential to people’s lives and livelihoods,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Illinois must build an equitable future for public transportation that prioritizes all of our neighbors.”                                

The measure – spearheaded by Villivalam – would allow public transit agencies to suspend problematic riders if the rider commits or provides a reasonable apprehension of assault, battery, sexual assault, or violations of public indecency.

“HB1342 is a significant step to get our public transportation systems on the right track,” said Frances Orenic, Illinois AFL-CIO Coalitions Director. “Transportation operators have been under assault and are asking for solutions. This legislation provides operators with the resources they need to care for themselves, and to guarantee optimal conditions for riders by putting public safety first.”

Read more: Villivalam outlines comprehensive public transit proposal

Senator Fine lays foundation for statewide behavioral health crisis system

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Friday, May 12, 2023 03:13 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to improve the behavioral health crisis response system, State Senator Laura Fine has passed the Strengthening and Transforming Behavioral Health Crisis Care in Illinois Act.  This will ensure we have a dependable behavioral health crisis system, including the 9-8-8 hotline. 

“We need to make certain Illinoisans have an effective behavioral health crisis response system that can meet their needs,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This legislation will help us assess the quality and affordability of behavioral health crisis services and as a result, make improvements to the system.”

House Bill 3230 would require an independent third party to conduct a cost analysis of a statewide initiative for the coordination and delivery of the continuum of behavioral health crisis response services in the state. Following the results of the report, a working group will develop recommendations for a cohesive behavioral health crisis response system that will be able to support the needs of Illinoisans. This would include the costs of maintaining crisis call centers, staffing, technological infrastructure enhancements and more. 

Read more: Senator Fine lays foundation for statewide behavioral health crisis system

Senator Koehler leads measure to highlight career and educational opportunities for students with disabilities

Details
Friday, May 12, 2023 01:33 PM

Sen. Dave Koehler

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler championed a measure to highlight future career opportunities for children with disabilities.

“This measure helps families and children with disabilities see the career options that are available to them,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Every child deserves additional opportunities outside the classroom.”

Individualized education plans – or IEPs – are plans that describe education instruction, support and services that students with disabilities are entitled to receive. Under House Bill 3224, students with IEPs and their parents would be provided information on the school district’s career and technical education and dual credit opportunities.

Read more: Senator Koehler leads measure to highlight career and educational opportunities for students with...

Pacione-Zayas to create more transparency around higher education opportunities for people who are incarcerated

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Friday, May 12, 2023 08:52 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – After the Higher Education in Prison Task Force conducted a yearlong analysis of the current higher education opportunities for people who are incarcerated, Task Force members State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas and State Representative Carol Ammons have proposed changes based on the results of the study to improve educational opportunities for people who are incarcerated.

“It can be challenging for people who are incarcerated to come back to their communities or find work after serving time,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Offering college courses or a path to get a degree while in prison can  ease this transition and promote rehabilitation instead of punishment. However, there needs to be more transparency and accountability for these programs as reports have demonstrated they are not accessible to folks who are qualified.”

Over the past year, the Illinois Higher Education in Prison Task Force has been analyzing the existing state of higher education programs for people who are incarcerated. This study assessed barriers and opportunities potential students may face, and used evidence gathered to propose ways existing programs can be improved to better support people seeking further education.

Read more: Pacione-Zayas to create more transparency around higher education opportunities for people who are...

More Articles …

  1. Koehler measure to provide cancer treatment coverage passes Senate
  2. Faraci honors Senator Scott Bennett through memorial highway initiative
  3. Joyce champions measure allowing three-year hunting, fishing and trapping license
  4. Loughran Cappel advances measures to further tackle teacher shortage
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  • Ellman measure would help middle school students earn high school credit
    Ellman measure would help middle school students earn high school credit
    SPRINGFIELD – Ensuring middle school students receive equal opportunity to earn high school credits, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring a measure to provide seventh- and eighth-grade students with the option to earn high school credit for high...

    Read more...

  • Senate approves Morrison bill to crack down on deadly street drug
    Senate approves Morrison bill to crack down on deadly street drug
    SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to curb the growing threat of synthetic drugs, State Senator Julie Morrison passed legislation in the Senate to regulate the use of xylazine — a powerful animal tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl and tied to overdose de...

    Read more...

  • Stadelman measure requires more transparency in health care fees
    Stadelman measure requires more transparency in health care fees
    SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about t...

    Read more...

  • Morrison prioritizes student safety with school bus seat belt legislation
    Morrison prioritizes student safety with school bus seat belt legislation
    SPRINGFIELD — In response to traffic accidents that have endangered the lives of students, staff and drivers, State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation to require seat belts in newly purchased school buses. “We teach children at a young age...

    Read more...

  • Ellman to clarify ephedrine prescription exemptions
    Ellman to clarify ephedrine prescription exemptions
    SPRINGFIELD – To offer clarity for patients and pharmacies, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring a measure to ease restrictions on medication containing ephedrine – a drug commonly used to treat allergies and low blood pressure – if it is prescri...

    Read more...

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