SPRINGFIELD – A plan sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino to provide direct services and residency opportunities to international medical graduate physicians was signed into law Friday.
“The global pandemic exacerbated existing challenges for our health care industry, and right now we’re leaving talent on the table as we continue to face a shortage of providers across the nation,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Dedicating resources to help support immigrant inclusion in the professional sector while opening pathways for licensure will go a long way toward ensuring patients can get the care they need.”
Read more: Aquino opens pathways for internationally trained medical professionals
SPRINGFIELD — Chicago homeowners who pay into home equity assurance programs will soon be able to use their tax dollars to protect their home from flooding, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Robert Martwick.
“Flooding in Chicago has been getting worse each year, posing a significant threat to homeowners, especially when their insurance won’t cover the steep costs associated with restoration after a flood,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Allowing home equity assurance programs to provide financial relief is a crucial step in terms of giving back to the communities that they serve.”
Read more: Chicago homeowners to see additional flood repair assistance thanks to Martwick law
SPRINGFIELD – A majority of food on grocery store shelves is purchased out of state, which has led State Senator Dave Koehler to pass a law to make Illinois food more readily available on local store shelves.
“Our farmers play a significant role in our economy, and we should make every effort to have their produce in stores across our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law supports our family farmers and gives residents access to fresh local produce.”
Koehler’s law directs the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.
Read more: More Illinois-grown food coming to stores thanks to Koehler law
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.”
Page 25 of 617