SPRINGFIELD — As members of communities that have been devastated by mass shootings, State Senators Julie Morrison and Linda Holmes are proud that their legislation encouraging law enforcement to use drones to enhance public safety at large outdoor gatherings has become law. 

“As we enter parade and festival season, it’s more pertinent than ever that law enforcement are equipped with the most  modern tools and training to keep communities safe,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s simple: drones will save lives. We can’t let another community feel the sheer terror and heartbreak that Highland Park still feels a year later. Today we’ve taken a positive and commonsense step toward a safer Illinois.”

Senator Morrison and her family were some of the hundreds of people in the Highland Park community who ran for their lives as a gunman opened fire on the town from a rooftop during a Fourth of July parade nearly a year ago. Seven people were killed and 48 were injured by the sniper. Following this tragedy, Morrison began work on legislation to prioritize public safety at large events to prevent further senseless loss of life due to gun violence.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined legislative leaders at the White House Wednesday to discuss ways they can continue to fight for reproductive rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year. 

As many black and brown communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and health care largely due to systemic barriers and discrimination, continuing the fight for equal healthcare rights and abortion care on a national level gives hopes to a population who is often overlooked and misrepresented,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Abortion is health care and everyone, no matter their income, immigration status, or zip code should be able to access the care they deserve without fear and obstacles.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ann Gillespie’s comprehensive Medicaid package was signed into law today, which will expand access to care for thousands of Illinois residents and provide vital support for mental health services.

“Medicaid is a critical safety net for thousands of Illinois residents who rely on it for health care,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “By increasing reimbursement rates, expanding services and investing in telehealth, we can help providers offer affordable, quality care.” 

SPRINGFIELD – After a mass shooting at Aurora’s Henry Pratt Company in 2019 where five people were killed and six injured, the Aurora Police Department’s drone team began to carefully review how other states use drones to support law enforcement operations, and today the legislation their work led to – the Drones as First Responders Act – was signed into law.

Aurora’s State Senator Linda Holmes brought together that research and the countless months, weeks, and hours of stakeholder involvement from municipal groups, law enforcement personnel, and advocates, along with 50^th District State Representative Barb Hernandez. In 2022, legislation was prepared.

“This measure gives police and other first responders critical information in a chaotic situation where lives are at stake,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This could spare another community the suffering and trauma we experienced here – it has the potential to prevent more chaos and death.”

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly a year after State Senator Julie Morrison, her family and hundreds of people in the Highland Park community ran for their lives as a gunman opened fire on the town from a rooftop, she championed a new law to enhance public safety at large outdoor gatherings through the use of drones.

“As we enter parade and festival season, it’s more pertinent than ever that law enforcement are equipped with the most  modern tools and training to keep communities safe,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s simple: drones will save lives. We can’t let another community feel the sheer terror and heartbreak that Highland Park still feels a year later. Today we’ve taken a positive and commonsense step toward a safer Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD — Residents struggling to pay their gas or electric bills will not face life-threatening utility shutoffs on hot days thanks to an initiative supported by State Christopher Belt that was signed into law last Friday.

“This measure recognizes the urgent need to safeguard vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children and individuals with health conditions,” said Belt. “There are many risks associated with extreme heat, and this aims to mitigate them, as well as prevent potential health and safety hazards.”

The new law prohibits a utility company from terminating gas or electric service due to nonpayment of bills on days when the forecasted temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, or when the National Weather Service issues a heat watch, advisory or warning for the location of the residence. Previously, disconnections were prohibited during temperatures 95 degrees or hotter and did not take into account humidity or heat index.

Older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk of heat-related illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people in the U.S. die from extreme heat each year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body is unable to properly cool itself and can happen even if a person is sitting or lying in a hot room.

“As extreme heat becomes more frequent, we need to prioritize the welfare of residents and ensure access to essential utilities,” said Belt. “No person or family should be put in harm’s way during a heat wave due to their financial circumstances.”

House Bill 1541 will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

METRO EAST – MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah announced their grand opening of an expanded terminal on Tuesday. Supported by State Senator Christopher Belt and other state and local officials, this is a transformative, $31 million multi-year project for the Metro East region.

“This is a big day for the Metro East. Whenever you can add terminals to an airport – that means growth and that’s what we want,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The airport will be better equipped to meet the growing demands of passengers, airlines and businesses, driving even more economic growth and bolstering regional development.”

SPRINGFIELD — To further reinforce the goals of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation that removes obsolete language from the Children and Family Services Act was signed into law.

“DCFS services are meant to be temporary, and our focus should remain on reuniting children with their families or placing them in safe, permanent homes,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This law makes these goals clear and ensures the language within this important act is current and compliant.”