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New residential facility supporting medically complex youth in care to open thanks to funding secured by Senate Democrats

Details
Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 03:41 PM
  • DCFS
  • Youth In Care
  • Toro
  • Complex Medical Needs

toro 102324CHICAGO—State Senator Natalie Toro celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony of Maryville’s St. Catherine of Siena—a new facility to serve youth in care with complex medical needs in the district she represents that was made possible through funding secured in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

“All children deserve high-quality health care—especially when they are experiencing complex and intense symptoms,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Continued investments will ensure more young people can access lifesaving care, and be set up for success in the future.”

The temporary housing program will serve up to 10 youth in care who are ready to be discharged from intensive medical facilities but are still in need of transitional care due to their complex medical needs.

Read more: New residential facility supporting medically complex youth in care to open thanks to funding...

Funding for workforce training coming to 20th District thanks to Toro

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Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 03:10 PM
  • DCEO
  • Job Training and Economic Development

toro 082724CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including more than $280,000 for workforce training in the 20th Senate District.

“The JTED program offers people education and training that develops lifelong skills, leading to employment opportunities now and in the future,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “I am hopeful this investment in my district will help boost our economy and assist people who have had a hard time finding employment.”

 

Read more: Funding for workforce training coming to 20th District thanks to Toro

Toro legislation prohibiting discrimination in the workplace clears Senate

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Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Thursday, May 23, 2024 11:59 AM
  • #HB2161
  • Employee Discrimination
  • Family Obligations

toro 052324SPRINGFIELD — Legislation prohibiting employer discrimination based on family obligations has passed the Senate and is one step closer to becoming law, thanks to efforts from State Senator Natalie Toro.

“Why should employees be punished for their family responsibilities if they have demonstrated that they do not impact their work performance?” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Working parents and family caregivers deserve to be treated the same as their colleagues without family responsibilities, especially when employers are making hiring decisions. I am glad this measure will protect employees from unfair treatment and empower people with family responsibilities to achieve success in their careers.”

Read more: Toro legislation prohibiting discrimination in the workplace clears Senate

Toro initiative mandating Autism sensitivity training for police passes Senate

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Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Friday, May 17, 2024 04:22 PM
  • Police
  • Autism
  • Toro
  • Autism-informed Sensitivity Training
  • SB 3201

sb 3201 senate

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Natalie Toro’s legislation requiring officers to go through autism-informed responses in their training passed the Senate, making it one step closer to becoming law.

“Law enforcement need to be aware of the unique communication challenges people with autism may have, especially in a more stressful situation like having an encounter with a police officer, and how that may make them appear noncompliant,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “By mandating autism sensitivity training, we are ensuring police have a deeper understanding of how to best engage with people with disabilities in their community and prevent misunderstandings that could turn tragic.”

While people with autism may be able to manage their communication differences or behavioral challenges with supports at school, work, or in their daily lives, they may experience unique challenges when interacting with police. Without proper training on how some people with autism communicate, law enforcement may interpret their behavior as being noncompliant with questioning or instructions. This has caused interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism to escalate quickly, resulting in unnecessary use of force, trauma or death.

Read more: Toro initiative mandating Autism sensitivity training for police passes Senate

Toro, Guzzardi legislation stands against discrimination in the workplace

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Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 07:04 PM
  • #HB2161
  • Employment Discrimination

toro hb2161SPRINGFIELD — To safeguard working moms, caregivers and others from being overlooked in hiring decisions because of their responsibilities outside of work, State Senator Natalie Toro is championing legislation aimed at prohibiting employer discrimination based on family obligations.

“It is extremely unfair for employers to decide that someone cannot fulfill their duties because they have family obligations, with no proof that this has or would interfere with their capability to be a good employee,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This gap in the Human Rights Act has allowed many Illinoisans to miss out on major career opportunities because of employers’ biases, and it is long past time to take a stand against these labor practices.” 

Read more: Toro, Guzzardi legislation stands against discrimination in the workplace

Toro: Law enforcement needs to have autism sensitivity training

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Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Thursday, May 09, 2024 09:30 AM
  • Autism-informed Sensitivity Training
  • Law Enforcement Officers
  • SB3201

toro 050824SPRINGFIELD — To reduce the risk of unnecessary violent confrontations between law enforcement and people with autism, State Senator Natalie Toro introduced legislation requiring officers to go through autism-informed responses in their training.

“Having an encounter with law enforcement can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but for people with behavioral disabilities like autism, it can be even more confusing and anxiety-provoking,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “It is important for law enforcement to know how to best approach and engage with autistic individuals to minimize fear and actually have a productive conversation.”

Read more: Toro: Law enforcement needs to have autism sensitivity training

Toro enhances safety in bike lanes

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Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Friday, April 12, 2024 11:39 AM
  • Public Safety
  • Cycling
  • Toro
  • SB3202

bike route

SPRINGFIELD —There is a growing need for protections for cyclists in State Senator Natalie Toro’s community – especially after a 16-year-old was struck and killed by a car while riding his bike. In response, she passed a measure through the Senate Friday to enhance bike lane safety.

“Our current biking infrastructure often values their safety and lives less than money by refusing to invest in projects to protect cyclists and pedestrians,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “We need to encourage local governments to rethink these priorities and take steps to keep cyclists safe.”

Cyclists frequently use maps of existing bike lanes when planning safe routes to ride. However, under existing law, “bike lanes” have a variety of definitions—including lanes safely blocked off from motor traffic with barriers, but also lanes only separated by drawn lines that may be utilized by parked cars or people pulling over. Without more transparency about the safety features of designated “bike lanes,” cyclists may choose routes without knowing they may be much closer to motorists without barriers to protect them—lanes that report significantly more accidents and injuries to bikers.

Read more: Toro enhances safety in bike lanes

Toro: It’s time to take a stand against discrimination

Details
Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Friday, March 08, 2024 11:07 AM
  • Immigration
  • Citizenship
  • Immigration Status
  • Toro
  • SB 2929

toro 2929

SPRINGFIELD — People come to Illinois from all around the world and have the difficult task of finding work, housing and a sense of community. This is all while navigating the confusing and lengthy immigration process. State Senator Natalie Toro is working on legislation to protect them from being taken advantage of during this vulnerable time.

“Protections against discrimination need to be in place for everyone who calls Illinois their home,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Immigrants, some of whom have left their families or do not speak English, can be more vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination. My new legislation will make sure bad actors cannot discriminate against immigrants without being held accountable.”

Under Toro’s measure, threatening to report someone’s immigration status or suspected immigration status to federal immigration enforcement or another person would be considered intimidation — a criminal offense. If sentenced, those charged would face 2-10 years of imprisonment, as intimidation is a Class 3 felony. The measure would not create any penalty enhancements under current law.

Read more: Toro: It’s time to take a stand against discrimination

More Articles …

  1. Toro legislation advocating for cyclist safety goes to the Senate floor
  2. Toro to mitigate gentrification in 20th District with tax relief legislation
  3. Toro pushes for rent control to combat rising housing crisis
  4. Senate Democrats outline plans to remove barriers to infertility treatment
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