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The Majority Report 07/13/23 - Increasing access and safety in education

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Category: Majority Report
Thursday, July 13, 2023 03:36 PM
  • Bennett
  • Belt
  • Morrison
  • Majority Report
  • Higher Education
  • Teacher Shortage
  • Halpin
  • Faraci
  • School Safety

Sen. Mike Halpin

Halpin measures to increase access to community college signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois students will now have access to more educational resources and broader opportunities thanks to two laws championed by State Senator Mike Halpin.

“Through these new laws, students will be equipped with opportunities that suit their individual interests and aspirations,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “By breaking down traditional barriers and expanding access to student directory information, we can enable students to explore a broader range of educational options, which will help keep students in Illinois.”

Read more.

 

Housing

Belt measure to address teacher shortage signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Christopher Belt will increase transparency and accountability in the operation of housing authorities in the state.

“Everyone should have access to affordable housing. No one should have to question whether they will have a roof over their heads to protect them and their families,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With more accurate wait list information, we can streamline the housing application processes and promote fair and equitable access to affordable housing opportunities.”

Read more.

 

Safety precautionsMorrison law to enhance security and safety precautions in schools

SPRINGFIELD – Violent threats against schools are becoming all too common, leading State Senator Julie Morrison to champion a newly signed law to require rapid entry protocol for law enforcement and first responders, including the threat of firearms.

“Our first responders must be equipped and trained to handle any emergency situation – especially within schools,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “School shootings are sadly happening at record rates – we must be prepared in case tragedy strikes.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Paul FaraciSenator Scott Bennett's public service recognized under new Faraci law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to rename and expand the ABLE Account Program in honor of the late Senator Scott Bennett was signed into law.

“Senator Scott Bennett was passionate in his advocacy for people living with disabilities and their families,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “He was their voice, their supporter and their defender when they didn’t have one. By renaming the ABLE Account program in honor of Senator Bennett, his endless service and commitment to bettering the lives and world around him will always be remembered.”

Read more.

 

members in the news

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Shorewood: Law aims to further tackle teacher shortage | The Times Weekly

Senator Steve Stadelman, Rockford: Passenger rail from Rockford to Chicago coming in 2027 | MyStateLine

Senator Doris Turner, Springfield: New Illinois law streamlines motorcycle license testing for young people | WMAY

 

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Hunter invites public to outreach event targeting opioid addiction

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Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Thursday, July 13, 2023 03:28 PM
  • Hunter
  • Narcan
  • South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force
  • Fentanyl Strips

hunter 071323CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter, convener of the South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, is inviting the community to the task force’s inaugural street outreach event, which will provide information and support to those affected by substance use.

“We want to make sure that everyone has access to the tools and information they need to stay safe,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This event is a great opportunity for those struggling with substance abuse to learn about the resources available to them and will help equip our community with the knowledge and supplies they need to save lives.”

Read more: Hunter invites public to outreach event targeting opioid addiction

Senator Koehler highlights transportation investments throughout Peoria and Tazewell Counties

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Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 03:30 PM
  • Koehler
  • IDOT
  • Multi-Year Plan

mcclugage 071123PEORIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday the largest multi-year program in state history to fix and repair roads throughout the state. State Senator Dave Koehler was pleased to see that $243.5 million in investments will directly impact Peoria and Tazewell Counties.

“Projects like these not only make roads safer for our community, but they also provide job opportunities in the area that we haven’t seen before,” said Koehler (D–Peoria). “These investments are a win for residents, truckers, cyclists and Peoria and Tazewell Counties as a whole.”

Read more: Senator Koehler highlights transportation investments throughout Peoria and Tazewell Counties

Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate record-breaking tourism growth

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Category: Senator Sara Feigenholtz News
Monday, July 10, 2023 03:43 PM
  • Peters
  • Feigenholtz
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Record Revenue

Garden of the gods Shawnee sunsetCHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated news Monday that Illinois hotel revenue during the 2023 fiscal year exceeded the highest pre-pandemic record, bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and hospitality jobs.

“These numbers show once again that people all across the country and all around the world think Illinois is great and can’t wait to come here,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Illinois is a world-class destination that from the Shawnee National Forest to the shoreline of Lake Michigan – and all points in between – has something terrific to offer everyone. This success is a collaborative effort and shows we can balance budgets, grow the economy and break records all at the same time.”

Illinois welcomed 111 million visitors who spent $44 billion in 2022 – representing 14 million additional travelers spending $12 billion more than they did in calendar year 2021. Because of tourist spending and visits in 2022, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts – amounted to a staggering $78 billion, a 30% increase from 2021.

Read more: Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate record-breaking tourism growth

Two new Holmes laws ensure safety for people and captive animals in labs and roadside menageries

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Category: Senator Linda Holmes News
Monday, July 10, 2023 10:10 AM
  • Holmes
  • SB1882
  • Animal Testing
  • Roadside Zoos
  • Animal Welfare
  • SB1883

holmes 070723SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes, a frequent sponsor of animal welfare legislation, saw two of her recent measures signed into law last week: one addresses the dwindling need to use cats and dogs in laboratory settings for testing, the other takes action against roadside zoos that allow public contact with wild animals that are unsafe for the animals and visitors.

Senate Bill 1883 is Holmes’ Wild Animal Public Safety Act to address concerns with roadside zoos by prohibiting public contact with all primates and bears. These collections of animals in cages where passing motorists may stop and see, feed or play with the animals are notoriously unsafe and dangerous for people, and inhumane for the captive animals. It will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

“The use of these animals continues a cycle of endless breeding where they are born into captivity to be used as props and business commodities,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Their lifetime of confinement and mistreatment could contribute to an interaction resulting in harm to the person or animal in such a situation. That risk could create a terrible tragedy.”

Read more: Two new Holmes laws ensure safety for people and captive animals in labs and roadside menageries

Senator Fine law guarantees telehealth appointments for mental health treatment will be covered under Medicaid plans

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Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Friday, July 07, 2023 03:26 PM
  • Fine
  • Medicaid
  • Telehealth
  • SB1913

fine 011023SPRINGFIELD – During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people began utilizing mental health counseling via telehealth appointments. With many Illinoisans still benefiting from this form of treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to ensure these telehealth appointments will continue to be covered under Medicaid insurance plans even though COVID-19-related telehealth policies are expiring. 

“Patients prefer telehealth appointments for a variety of reasons, including time-saving convenience or having the opportunity to get treatment from a specialist who is not locally available,” said Fine (D-Glenview).  “This initiative will ensure Medicaid patients are still able to access this care with their insurance.”

Read more: Senator Fine law guarantees telehealth appointments for mental health treatment will be covered...

Cervantes law will allow veterans and immigrants to return to real estate career

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Category: Senator Javier Loera Cervantes News
Friday, July 07, 2023 03:14 PM
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Immigrants
  • Cervantes
  • Real Estate Licenses
  • SB1866

cervantes 070723SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes spearheaded a new law that will waive certain requirements for veterans and those without a social security number who are seeking a real estate license.

”This law assists veterans and immigrants who are going to continue their real estate career in Illinois and have run into barriers in their continuing education requirements,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With this law, we will help individuals reinstate their real estate license and continue their practice in Illinois.”

Read more: Cervantes law will allow veterans and immigrants to return to real estate career

Stadelman law expands consumer protections for tenants

Details
Category: Senator Steve Stadelman News
Friday, July 07, 2023 03:09 PM
  • Stadelman
  • Rent Protections
  • SB1741

stadelman 070723SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to expand consumer protections for renters in smaller buildings was signed into law today, making it more difficult for landlords to withhold security deposits.

“With this law, we are extending transparency to all renters,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This law will ensure everyone has the same protections when renting.”

Currently, landlords can withhold security deposits for tenants in buildings with five units or more as long as they provide an itemized statement of damages within 30 days after a tenant moves out. For those living in a building with five or fewer units, a withheld security deposit does not require a statement explaining why and listing the damages incurred.

Senate Bill 1741 removes this limitation.

“If a renter does not get their security deposit back, they at least deserve an explanation from their landlord,” Stadelman said. “We want to prevent landlords from abusing the law by withholding security deposits without tenants ever knowing why. I am proud to see this legislation signed into law and will continue to fight for consumer protections for Illinois residents.”

More Articles ...

  1. Belt measure to increase accountability of housing authorities signed into law
  2. Loughran Cappel law provides coverage for trauma survivors’ reconstructive surgeries
  3. Porfirio measure to enhance Residential Sound Insulation Program Advisory Committee signed by governor
  4. Gillespie plan to strengthen housing rights for immigrants now law

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