SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt led a new law that will ensure fair compensation for teachers and protect school boards from undue financial burdens.

“Our state’s educators deserve a fair salary that keeps pace with the rising cost of living,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This shows that we care about all teachers in the state who are educating our future leaders.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino expanding licensing opportunities and procedures for internationally trained and licensed health care professionals was signed into law Friday.

“The demand for qualified health care professionals in our state will continue to grow in the coming years,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This law creates a licensing liaison to serve as a resource for international applicants and streamline the process so we can continue to grow our health care workforce.”

SPRINGFIELD. Senate Majority Caucus Chair Omar Aquino released the following statement following House Republican lawmakers' press conference in which they criticized the Medicaid expansions Illinois has achieved so far under the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults Program:

"Over the last few years, I have been the proud chief sponsor of legislation that expands Medicaid-like services for non-citizens, which positions Illinois as the nation's leader in healthcare equity. That is a fact. Thanks to the hard work of a broad coalition, we achieved that over 15,000 underserved Illinoisans now have access to healthcare.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino led the passage of Senate Bill 2271, extending the licensing period for home health, home services and home nursing agencies from 120 to 240 days.

“Many people in my district depend on programs that offer in-home care for older residents, and folks with serious illnesses and disabilities,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “The need we have in Illinois for healthcare professionals that can support families with a loved one in need of in-home care should be addressed, and that’s what this bill does.”

Senate Bill 2271 makes professional licenses for home health, home services, and home nursing agencies valid for 240 days instead of 120 days. The legislation allows new agencies to receive a provisional license for up to 90 days, allowing them to offer services on demand for thousands of patients who require in-home critical care.

CHICAGO – Alongside Uvalde, Buffalo, and a sadly increasing number of cities across the nation, Highland Park joined the map of yet another town that was stricken by heinous gun violence at the hands of a person firing an assault weapon. Before more lives are tragically lost by the unnecessary ownership and usage of such weapons, State Senator Omar Aquino is pushing a measure to ban the sale and purchase of assault weapons.

“We cannot continue to sit silently while people’s parents, children, and friends get shot to death in masses at parades, grocery stores, and schools,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “I can’t fathom living in a state where my children have to constantly fear for their lives on a daily basis.”

First filed by Aquino in February 2021, Senate Bill 2510 would ban the sale and purchase of assault weapons and assault weapon attachments in Illinois. Assault weapons include semi-automatic firearms and rifles with belt feeds or detachable magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition.

CHICAGO – Following the news of the overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“While we knew this day was coming, I don’t think anyone can be fully prepared for the devastating impact of this attack on women’s reproductive rights. I am appalled, but not shocked.

CHICAGO — A new state-of-the-art health wellness center is coming to the West Side of Chicago thanks to the Illinois Senate Democrat-backed Rebuild Illinois plan.

“Health equity is — and always has been — one of my top priorities,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “Access to quality health care should be a right — not a privilege. By bringing this facility to the West Side, we are signaling to local residents we notice the inequity and inequality and our system and we are committed to doing something about it.”

CHICAGO – While the state continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still struggling to get back on their feet following the immense financial distress it caused.

State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) announced a new assistance program that will provide Illinois homeowners with much-needed housing relief.

“No one should have worry about how they’re going to keep a roof over their head,” Aquino said. “Housing is a basic human right. Just because we are trending toward normalcy, doesn’t mean people aren’t still feeling the pandemic’s affects each day. Families need us now more than ever.”