SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Omar Aquino led a measure through the Senate that calls on Illinois’ labor oversight boards to work together to streamline the resolution process at worksites involved in unfair labor complaint proceedings.

“Workers should not have to wait in limbo to find out the future of their livelihood,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Streamlining this process will give employees the answers they deserve so they don’t have to wait months for a resolution.”

The Illinois Labor Relations Act lays out the rights public sector employees are entitled to in Illinois, including the right to form, join or assist a labor organization without fear of penalty, discrimination or retaliation. When a public employer or labor organization interferes with the exercise of rights provided under the ILRA, the employee, union or employer can file unfair labor practice charges with the labor board overseeing their sector. In recent years, labor unions representing public sector workers have seen wait times as long as 400 days on their unfair labor practice claims.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Omar Aquino, standing alongside Service Employees International Union members, pushed for a wage increase for home care workers in Illinois at a rally Wednesday.

“When I worked for the Community Care Program, I witnessed firsthand the impact of home care workers on seniors’ ability to live an independent and dignified life,” expressed Aquino to advocates gathered in the Capitol rotunda. “You all provide dignified work—you should earn a dignified pay.”

Aquino joined hundreds of home care workers rallying together to speak on the need to increase wages for home care workers who provide essential personal assistance and health care support to thousands of seniors and people with disabilities across the state.

CHICAGO — State Senator Omar Aquino joined Governor JB Pritzker at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture to announce the creation of Puerto Rico Town as an official State-Designated Cultural District.

“In Illinois, diversity is our strength, and the State-Designated Cultural Districts Program is shining a much-deserved light on some of our state’s most culturally and historically rich communities, including Puerto Rico Town,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “These designations will help Illinoisans celebrate our lineage and traditions of our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD — Under a proposal announced Wednesday by State Senator Omar Aquino and State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., working parents in Illinois earning the median income or less could soon have the option to claim a state-level child tax credit on their state income taxes.

“The Child Tax Credit I am proposing this year would put money back in working-class parents’ pockets,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “That little bit of extra change helps families stay afloat, provide a good education for their children, and re-invest that money right back into our local economy. It’s why studies show that just this investment in our families would pay dividends, by creating a $1 billion surplus in our economy.”

Senate Bill 3329 would create a state-level child tax credit for eligible low- and middle-income families. Families would receive a $300 tax credit for each child under the age of 17. The proposal would benefit joint filers earning less than $75,000 and single filers earning less than $50,000. If passed, Illinois would become the 15^th state to enact a state-level child tax credit.

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.