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The Majority Report 06/12/23 - Senate Democrats applaud signing of responsible, balanced budget

Details
Category: Majority Report
Monday, June 12, 2023 02:22 PM
  • Majority Report
  • Villivalam
  • Harmon
  • Simmons
  • FY2024 Budget
  • Young Voters
  • Food Options

Budget signing

Senate Democrats applaud signing of responsible, balanced budget

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to steadfast, responsible leadership from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, the governor signed the state’s fifth balanced budget in a row into law last week.

“Passing this budget was an exercise in trust, working together to prioritize paying down debt, shoring up our rainy day fund and ensuring a durable, balanced budget,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his commitment to responsible budgeting. I also want to thank Speaker Welch for his partnership and the incredible Senate budget negotiators for their hard work. The future looks bright for Illinois.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Ram Villivalam

Villivalam leads legislation for kosher and halal food options in state schools and facilities

SPRINGFIELD – To provide more food options for all faiths in Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed legislation that would provide kosher and halal food options in public schools and state facilities.

“We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs. With this legislation I hope to expand the available options for all residents in Illinois.”

Read more.

 

Young votersSimmons secures passage of bill to allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote

SPRINGFIELD – To increase young voter engagement, State Senator Mike Simmons secured passage of an elections bill that will allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote so they may start voting as soon as they turn 18.

“The young have always played a key part in democracy,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The younger generations show again and again how engaged they are in social issues — allowing them to pre-register sends a message to youth that their voices are important and allows them to take that activism to the polls.”

Read more.

 

members in the news

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

State Senator Mattie Hunter, Chicago: We Walk for Her march demands justice for missing and murdered Black women | Hyde Park Herald

Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Chicago: New bill giving more worker protections to freelancers heads to Pritzker’s desk | WCIA

Senator Rachel Ventura, Joliet: Illinois wants to make sure you never get another 'final notice' letter | MyStateLine

 

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Morrison works with Illinois State Police to modernize agency

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Category: Senator Julie A. Morrison News
Friday, June 09, 2023 03:00 PM
  • Morrison
  • Illinois State Police
  • HB2412
  • Modernization

State Senator Julie MorrisonSPRINGFIELD – With bipartisan support and in tandem with the Illinois State Police, State Senator Julie Morrison led a measure to modernize the department, ultimately leading to ISP having greater resources to keep our communities safe.

“Modernization will help Illinois’ strategic planning when it comes to investigating cybercrime and domestic terrorist incidents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Giving police the tools they need to best support our communities is a top priority of mine.”

Read more: Morrison works with Illinois State Police to modernize agency

Villa’s new law will protect concertgoers from overdose

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Category: Senator Karina Villa News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:50 PM
  • Villa
  • Naloxone
  • Opioid Overdose
  • HB1557
  • Music Venues

villa 060923SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa, music venues will be equipped with overdose-reversing medications.

“The summer months bring a lot of concerts with them, and I want to make sure those in attendance are safe from one bad decision or mistake costing them their lives,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This law will save lives by expanding first aid in concert halls, training staff to treat overdose and ensuring the proper tools are on site.”

Read more: Villa’s new law will protect concertgoers from overdose

Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops signed by governor

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Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:36 PM
  • Belt
  • Law Enforcement
  • HB 2389
  • Rearview Mirror

belt airfresh 060923

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law that will prohibit law enforcement from pulling a driver over for having an object hanging from their rearview mirror.  

“The number of traffic stops that have occurred just because of a small personal item hanging on their rearview mirror has been excessive,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It’s time we eliminate this reasoning for being pulled over, as it has disproportionately affected specific communities.”

Previously, drivers could be pulled over for any objects hanging from the rearview mirror of their car such as decorations, disability placards, rosaries and car fresheners. House Bill 2389 clarifies that vehicles cannot be stopped or searched by a law enforcement officer solely on the basis of this violation.

Read more: Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops signed by governor

New Hunter law prevents utility shutoffs in extreme heat

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:35 PM
  • Public Health
  • Hunter
  • Utility Shutoffs
  • HB1541

Hunter heat 060923SPRINGFIELD — Residents struggling to pay their gas or electric bills will not face life-threatening utility shutoffs on hot days thanks to an initiative sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter that was signed into law Friday.

“This is a major victory for public health and the people of Illinois,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Heat is extremely dangerous, and families should not be put in harm’s way due to their financial circumstances.”

The legislation amends the Public Utilities Act to prohibit 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.

Read more: New Hunter law prevents utility shutoffs in extreme heat

Koehler creates task force to highlight Underground Railroad history in Illinois

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:23 PM
  • Koehler
  • Underground Railroad
  • History
  • SB 1623

Sen. Dave Koelher

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler passed a measure to create awareness of the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

“Illinois played a significant role towards the path of freedom that has usually gone unnoticed,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This task force will bring to light the efforts Illinoisans went through to help slaves on their journey, and map the route across the state.”

Senate Bill 1623 creates the Underground Railroad Task Force. The group will develop a statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive statewide history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while developing new educational and tourism opportunities.

The task force will identify where historical sites are located, connections they may have to one another, and will paint a picture to recognize the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois. It will also introduce educational and tourism opportunities throughout the state.

Read more: Koehler creates task force to highlight Underground Railroad history in Illinois

IDOC to digitize their records thanks to Ventura measure

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:06 PM
  • Electronic Record
  • IDOC
  • Ventura
  • SB442

051123CM02041SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Corrections will be required to digitize all master record files thanks to State Senator Rachel Ventura’s measure that was signed into law today.

“We cannot rely on the old paper filing system that is still in place. Papers can go missing, making the outdated release process unnecessarily long,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “In the long run, having digital access to these records will not only save the state money, but also ensure that those who have been waiting to be released and go back into their communities are not idly waiting for months on end simply because Illinois didn’t have an updated records system.”

 

Read more: IDOC to digitize their records thanks to Ventura measure

Governor signs Holmes’ bill to end insurance discrimination based on dog breeds

Details
Category: Senator Linda Holmes News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:05 PM
  • Holmes
  • Insurance
  • HB1049
  • Dog Breed Discrimination

holmes 0609231SPRINGFIELD – Families with specific dog breeds may face home or renter insurance discrimination because insurers perceive their breed as dangerous. State Senator Linda Holmes wants to prohibit that insurance practice, and her House Bill 1049 to amend insurance code to this effect has been signed into law today.

"For years, harmful stereotypes of certain dog breeds have allowed insurers to punish families for owning a specific dog breed, resulting in cancelation or stiff premiums for their policies,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This measure will help ensure that all dog owners are treated fairly in the insurance market.”

Read more: Governor signs Holmes’ bill to end insurance discrimination based on dog breeds

More Articles …

  1. Glowiak Hilton protects consumers from pesky auto-renewal fees
  2. Senate Democrats applaud signing of responsible, balanced budget
  3. The Majority Report 06/05/23 - Your end of session recap
  4. Morrison, Holmes advocate for drone use by law enforcement for public safety
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