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Toro encourages educators and parents to use educational tax credits

Details
Category: Senator Natalie Toro News
Friday, September 22, 2023 02:22 PM
  • School Supplies
  • Illinois Education Expense Credit
  • Toro

toro pencils 092223CHICAGO — As back-to-school season kicks off, State Senator Natalie Toro is reminding taxpayers that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“As a former educator for nearly 10 years, I know how difficult it can be for parents and educators to afford necessary school supplies,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “With the cost for these materials on the rise, it is more important than ever for people to be aware of and utilize these tax benefits to help offset the costs of their school supplies.”

Read more: Toro encourages educators and parents to use educational tax credits

Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics

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Category: Senator Patrick Joyce News
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 02:56 PM
  • Firefighters
  • Joyce
  • EMTs
  • Paramedics

joyce 032423KANKAKEE – A measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce earlier this year created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, and recently, Senate President Don Harmon appointed Joyce as co-chair of the task force along with State Representative Mike Kelly.

“For quite some time, we have seen an issue recruiting and retaining first responders for different emergencies – which is detrimental to our neighbors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m ready to figure out the why, and to find solutions to tackle this shortage of workers in order to keep all of our communities safe.” 

The task force is responsible for discovering the steps Illinois can take to assist local governments to recruit and retain public employee firefighters and paramedics, consider any barriers to the process of recruitment and retention, and outline how well the state provides a pathway for qualified individuals to obtain the necessary skills needed to seek employment of these positions.

“Not having these essential positions filled is a serious problem when it comes to the safety and well-being of all Illinois residents,” said Joyce. “As a co-chair, I believe we will be able to understand the implications and bring light to the issue.”

Joyce’s appointment to the task force us effective immediately and expires January 2025.

Sims celebrates monumental end of money bond in Illinois

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Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Monday, September 18, 2023 10:34 AM
  • Sims
  • Pretrial Fairness Act
  • End Cash Bail

sims 040922CHICAGO – In celebration of the elimination of cash bail in Illinois, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Today we finally take the long-overdue step toward dismantling systemic racism and eliminating the practices which have created barriers to opportunities and obstacles to prosperity for far too long. Illinois continues to show the rest of the nation that monumental change is possible to make the criminal legal system fair, equitable and just for all.

“Finally, being poor is not a crime and will never be the sole reason a person remains incarcerated as they await their trial.

“We can take pride in the fact that Illinois has reformed its criminal legal system while focusing on community safety, combatting disparities, and removing wealth from decisions that should be about public safety. As much as we have achieved, more work is still ahead. Our work continues.”

The Majority Report 09/18/23 - Marking the end of cash bail

Details
Category: Majority Report
Monday, September 18, 2023 07:31 AM
  • Morrison
  • DCFS
  • Majority Report
  • Peters
  • Suicide Prevention
  • End Cash Bail
  • Villa

Senator Robert Peters

Peters celebrates end of cash bail system based on wealth

CHICAGO — Illinois officially became the first state in the United States to end the use of cash bail on Monday, thanks to collaboration between State Senator Robert Peters, crime victim advocates, domestic violence groups, state’s attorneys and law enforcement.

“The struggle for changing our current criminal justice system into a system that prioritizes public safety over wealth has been a long and hard-fought battle, but now that we are on the other side, our focus is on ensuring effective implementation,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We all have a responsibility to keep our ear to the ground and ensure people are not incarcerated simply because they cannot afford to pay their way out.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Morrison

Morrison commends third-party look to improve DCFS procedures

SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her commitment to advancing the safety of children and families across the state, State Senator Julie Morrison supported a new online data dashboard being implemented by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to foster enhanced transparency and accountability from the agency.

“An independent, third-party look into the organization and structure of DCFS is long overdue," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We owe it to the children served in this long-troubled agency to take a serious look at how the agency can improve.”

Read more.

 

Sen. VillaVilla observes September as Suicide Prevention Month

WEST CHICAGO — September marks the 15th annual Suicide Prevention Month, and State Senator Karina Villa is highlighting the importance of suicide awareness and prevention for Illinois residents.

“My heart goes out to every person who has lost a loved one to suicide,” said Villa (D-West Chicago), chair of the Senate Public Health Committee. “We need to be vigilant in our support for people who experience mental health challenges. By working together, we can create a safer, more compassionate state where every individual’s mental wellbeing is valued and protected.”

Read more.

 

members in the news

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Napoleon Harris III, Harvey: Harris pleased to see more than $850,000 in local business grants | Patch

Senator Mattie Hunter, Chicago: Hunter and Buckner to lead Illinois Task Force on Missing and Murdered Women | Hyde Park Herald

Senator Rachel Ventura, Joliet: Residents encouraged to apply for energy bill assistance program | Times Weekly

 

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth

Details
Category: Senator Robert Peters News
Friday, September 15, 2023 09:46 AM
  • Peters
  • Criminal Justice Reform
  • Cash Bail
  • SAFE-T Act

Sen. Robert Peters

CHICAGO – Illinois will officially become the first state in the United States to end the use of cash bail on Monday, thanks to collaboration between Senator Peters, crime victim advocates, domestic violence groups, state’s attorneys and law enforcement.

“The struggle for changing our current criminal justice system into a system that prioritizes public safety over wealth has been a long and hard-fought battle, but now that we are on the other side, our focus is on ensuring effective implementation,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We all have a responsibility to keep our ear to the ground and ensure people are not incarcerated simply because they cannot afford to pay their way out.”

The official end of cash bail — also known as the Pretrial Fairness Act, which is contained within the SAFE-T Act — comes two months after the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the pretrial reform is constitutional in Illinois. Starting Sept. 18, individuals under a cash bail order will be granted a release hearing.

Read more: Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth

Senator Morrison instrumental in economic development, job creation brought forth by new Glenview manufacturing facility

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Category: Senator Julie A. Morrison News
Thursday, September 14, 2023 10:17 AM
  • Morrison
  • Economic Development
  • Employment
  • Glenview
  • Manufacturing
  • UPSIDE Foods

Sen. Julie Morrison

GLENVIEW – Thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison’s steadfast advocacy to prioritize job creation and economic development, UPSIDE Foods – a nationwide business – is coming to Glenview.

“I enthusiastically welcome this new facility, which is a significant investment to our community. It underscores our commitment to technology, innovation and business development,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “UPSIDE Foods’ decision to open a facility in Glenview highlights the area’s strategic location for its pro-innovation business environment and skilled workforce.”

The 175,000 square foot facility, based in Glenview, will start by producing ground cultivated chicken products, with plans to expand to other species and whole-textured formats in the future. Upon its opening, 75 jobs will be created across warehousing, logistics, bioprocessing, food production, and other commercial functions.

Morrison was instrumental in bringing UPSIDE Foods to Glenview alongside Governor JB Pritzker. The company said it was drawn by the region's esteemed legacy in meat production, a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, and strategic geographical advantages.

Read more: Senator Morrison instrumental in economic development, job creation brought forth by new Glenview...

Villa observes September as Suicide Prevention Month

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Category: Senator Karina Villa News
Monday, September 11, 2023 02:16 PM
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Villa
  • 988 Hotline
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Sen. Karina Villa

WEST CHICAGO – As September begins, so does the 15th annual Suicide Prevention Month, and State Senator Karina Villa is highlighting the importance of suicide awareness and prevention for Illinois residents. 

“My heart goes out to every person who has lost a loved one to suicide,” said Villa (D-West Chicago), chair of the Senate Public Health Committee. “We need to be vigilant in our support for people who experience mental health challenges. By working together, we can create a safer, more compassionate state where every individual’s mental wellbeing is valued and protected.”

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just under 50,000 people died by suicide in 2022. The CDC also reported that men accounted for over 39,000 of these recorded deaths—which is a 2.3% increase from 2021.

Read more: Villa observes September as Suicide Prevention Month

The Majority Report 09/11/23 - Strengthening the EV supply chain

Details
Category: Majority Report
Monday, September 11, 2023 01:42 PM
  • Agriculture
  • Mental Health
  • Castro
  • Majority Report
  • Harmon
  • Villanueva
  • Turner
  • Illinois Manufacturers' Association
  • Cervantes
  • Faraci
  • Asylum Seekers
  • Gotion
  • Illinois Restaurant Association

Senate Democrats celebrate $2 billion EV battery manufacturing plant coming to Kankakee County

MANTENO — Senate Democrats joined company leaders and local and state officials Friday to announce Gotion’s historic decision to locate its new $2 billion electric vehicle lithium battery manufacturing plant in Manteno, representing a significant step forward in strengthening the EV supply chain and creating more than 2,600 new, good-paying jobs in Kankakee County.

“The legislature and governor have worked diligently to create a stable, predictable economic climate in which business can thrive,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Our partnership with Gotion is possible thanks to years of hard work and investment. Illinois is one of the best places in the world to do business.”

Read more.

 

Sens. Faraci and Turner

Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities

DECATUR — As strong advocates of Illinois’ agriculture industry, State Senators Paul Faraci and Doris Turner joined state officials and agriculture leaders at the 2023 Farm Progress Show to support increasing access to mental health services for rural farmers and agriculture communities.

“Mental health affects people from all professions — especially farmers whose job, success and livelihood relies on many things out of their control,” said Turner (D-Springfield), chair of the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee. “Together, we can uplift the health and well-being of some of our state’s hardest working individuals.”

Read more.

 

Sens. Villanueva, Castro and CervantesSenate Latino Caucus joins call for federal government to expand work authorizations for asylum seekers

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (Senate) joined the call from business and industry partners, including the Illinois Restaurant Association and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to streamline work authorizations for eligible asylum seekers who are ready and eager to work in Illinois.

“I am proud that in Illinois, we step up for those in need and live out our values as a welcoming state,” said joint Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I am happy to see Senator Durbin fighting for this much-needed measure to provide our new neighbors with the resources they need to support themselves and their families.”

Read more.

 

members in the news

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Mary Edly-Allen, Libertyville: Edly-Allen: Local schools to get $12M in funding | Shaw Local

Senator Dave Koehler, Peoria: Newly-formed Illinois Waterway commission looks to develop river port | NPR Illinois

Senator Mike Porfirio, Lyons Township: 12 school districts to receive an additional $6.2 million | Des Plaines Valley News

Senator Steve Stadelman, Chicago: Sen. Stadelman’s Hoopfest a memorable Labor Day tradition | WIFR

 

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

More Articles …

  1. Morrison commends third-party look to improve DCFS procedures
  2. Senate Democrats celebrate $2 billion EV battery manufacturing plant coming to Kankakee County
  3. Senate Latino Caucus joins call for federal government to expand work authorizations for asylum seekers
  4. Joyce celebrates reopening of Kankakee River State Park’s Chippewa campground
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