Belt's measure to allow volunteer fire departments to receive state grants

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would allow volunteer fire departments to apply for and receive state grants through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

“We have several volunteer fire departments in the Metro East that would be able to take advantage of new funding,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Right now, only city-run fire departments have access to state grants for equipment and building upgrades, this will change that.”

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Fine highlights plan to restrict hiring of ICE agents

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Laura Fine called a press conference on Wednesday to outline crucial legislation that would protect families and curb ICE intimidation by preventing newly hired ICE agents from serving as law enforcement officers in Illinois.

“Police officers occupy positions of public trust. Given widespread concern over ICE’s violent tactics, allowing current ICE agents to police local communities undermines that trust and should be prohibited,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “My district is one of many communities across the state that has repeatedly voiced concerns about increased ICE activity in our neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers and public spaces, and it’s time we take action against threats to public safety.”

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Johnson introduces Civil Rights Safeguard Act

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Adriane Johnson stood alongside representatives from the Illinois Department of Human Rights at a press conference Wednesday to outline her legislation to strengthen and preserve Illinois’ civil rights protections amid growing federal rollbacks.

“As federal agencies retreat from enforcing long-standing civil rights protections, Illinois must step forward,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation ensures our state remains a place where fairness, accountability and equal opportunity are not optional — they are the law.”

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