SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons presented multiple measures that will increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists to the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.
“As a non-motorist who chooses to bike, walk, and take public transportation almost exclusively, I take the safety and well-being of all who use public streets, roads, and public transportation personally and very seriously,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too many tragic, deadly, and unfortunately avoidable accidents have happened in the last year in the 7th District. These initiatives aim to address them directly.”
Senate Bill 2014 expands safety for cyclists and pedestrians by providing that improvements, such as high-visibility signage, crosswalk upgrades, curb bump outs, barrier-protected bike lanes and bus shelters, are made during routine maintenance to any non-highway state roadways.
Read more: Simmons advances package of bills to increase bike and pedestrian safety
Senate Democrats celebrate the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative
SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats joined Governor Pritzker in the announcement and release of a new report from the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, which will redesign the delivery of behavioral health services for young people in the state. The initiative’s goal is to transform statewide systems to provide clear, consistent and comprehensive guidance to families seeking behavioral or mental health services for children and adolescents.
“Investment in our state’s youth through a holistic, whole-child approach provides them with the key resources and support they need to succeed,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “We are taking a positive step toward ensuring families of children who struggle with severe behavior health needs are uplifted and have access to the high-quality care they deserve.”
Faraci: Children living with disabilities deserve better
CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1752, which aims to reduce the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services database.
The PUNS list currently has 14,806 individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver Services. As funding becomes available, individuals are selected from PUNS to apply for the waiver. However, the demand for these services far outweighs the available funding, leaving many individuals waiting for years to receive the assistance they need.
"The PUNS list has been a concern of mine for many years, and I am thrilled to introduce this bill that will help reduce the backlog of individuals waiting for developmental disability waiver services," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "Every person on the list is someone who needs help, and it's our duty to ensure that they receive the support they require to live a happy and fulfilling life."
Measure led by Glowiak Hilton would combat "spoof" calls that deliberately falsify caller IDs
SPRINGFIELD – A new measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID.
“Many Illinoisans receive scam calls every day,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This measure prohibits spoof calling to ensure our residents can trust who is on the other end of the phone.”
Halpin addresses Quad Cities Rail project roadblock
MOLINE – State Senator Mike Halpin joined Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati’s press conference regarding the Quad Cities Passenger Rail project that has been in talks for years.
“This money was there when I first took office in January 2017 and Governor Pritzker announced its renewal with our 2019 budget during his first year in office,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Too much time has passed to simply rely on Iowa Interstate Railroad to do the right thing.”
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Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved
CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1752, which aims to reduce the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services database.
The PUNS list currently has 14,806 individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver Services. As funding becomes available, individuals are selected from PUNS to apply for the waiver. However, the demand for these services far outweighs the available funding, leaving many individuals waiting for years to receive the assistance they need.
"The PUNS list has been a concern of mine for many years, and I am thrilled to introduce this bill that will help reduce the backlog of individuals waiting for developmental disability waiver services," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "Every person on the list is someone who needs help, and it's our duty to ensure that they receive the support they require to live a happy and fulfilling life."
Read more: Faraci: children living with disabilities deserve better
SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Cristina Castro and Karina Villa joined Governor Pritzker for the announcement of a new teacher pipeline proposal intended to address continuing shortages in the state’s most understaffed school districts.
“It is important for students to see themselves reflected in their teachers by their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or by other relevant identifiers. As a former social worker, I know firsthand that students come to school with a wide array of different struggles, and having teachers who can relate through lived experiences can improve our children’s education experience,” said Villa (D- West Chicago). “I believe this teacher pipeline is a great first step to ensuring every child is represented and supported by the staff who teaches and uplifts them.”
Over the next three years, the proposed Teacher Pipeline Grant Program will direct $70 million per year to the 170 school districts with the greatest need to fill teaching positions. The Teacher Pipeline Grant Program will allow districts maximum flexibility to use the funds in innovative, creative, and evidenced-based ways, such as offering signing bonuses, housing stipends, down-payment assistance, or loan repayments; paying tuition and fees or providing residencies or apprenticeships; and sustaining current teachers by providing materials, supplies, coaching, and school culture supports.
Read more: Senators Castro and Villa applaud new teacher pipeline proposal to address shortages
Springfield — Members of the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus are preparing themselves to make a lifesaving difference within their communities after participating in a Hands-Only CPR training course led by Illinois Heart Rescue and the American Heart Association on Thursday.
Organized by the bipartisan group of women senators, the training allowed all members of the Illinois Senate a convenient opportunity to learn how to perform Hands-Only CPR and the importance of knowing this lifesaving treatment.
“February is American Heart Month, National Wear Red Day was Feb. 3, and we celebrated #GoRedDay at the Capitol on Feb. 14. What better way to promote women’s heart health than to participate in Hands-Only CPR training, which I first learned about when portable defibrillators started to become available in public buildings,” said State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). “So today, members of the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus, other senators and legislative staff took time to learn Hands-Only CPR, which can make a tremendous difference in saving a life during an emergency.”
Read more: Women of the Illinois Senate participate in lifesaving CPR training
MOLINE – State Senator Mike Halpin join Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati’s press conference on Monday regarding the Quad Cities Passenger Rail project that has been in talks for years.
“This money was there when I first took office in January 2017 and Governor Pritzker announced its renewal with our 2019 budget during his first year in office,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Too much time has passed to simply rely on Iowa Interstate Railroad to do the right thing.”
The rail project has had the support of multiple presidential administrations, governors, state representatives, state senators, mayors and city councils. Despite agreement on the need for the project, Iowa Interstate Railroad, a private company that controls the 50 miles of track that would connect Chicago and the Quad Cities, has been a barrier to getting the project finalized.
Read more: Sen. Halpin addresses Quad Cities Rail project roadblock
Porfirio introduces measure to expand Illinois Veterans Grant Program
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio has introduced Senate Bill 2422, aimed at increasing the eligibility requirements for the Illinois Veterans Grant Program.
The proposed legislation would revise the eligibility requirements for the grant program, allowing for a wider range of individuals to access it and receive educational assistance.
"Illinois has a long and proud history of supporting our veterans and military personnel," said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). "As a veteran myself, I am proud to be a voice for other veterans in our state."
Cervantes legislation supports STEM students and their growing careers
SPRINGFIELD – Continuing to support our growing workforce in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is building support for new legislation creating the Graduate and Retain Our Workforce Illinois Program that will assist students in STEM fields here in Illinois.
"How we support our students affects how the workforce of the future will find good paying jobs. Illinois is here to support students through their educational journey and ensure they reach their destination," said Cervantes (D-Chicago). "These growing tech fields are in dire need of employees and we are creating a pipeline for students to grow their life here in Illinois."
Halpin advances measure to combat human trafficking
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure through the Senate State Government Committee which will require lodging establishments in Illinois to provide Human Trafficking Recognition Training (HTRT) to their employees in order to receive state and local funds.
"Human trafficking is a terrible crime that destroys lives and tears apart families," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "We have a responsibility to do everything we can to combat this heinous practice and ensure that our state is a safe and welcoming place for all people."
Sims celebrates Illinois' seventh credit rating upgrade
SPRINGFIELD – For the seventh time in less than two years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. S&P Global Ratings – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades last week thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats, led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.
"This news is yet another sign the years of fiscal responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families and provide funding for the people who need the most help – all while paying down our bill backlog," said Sims (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way."
Sound of the State: Black Excellence and Equality
On this week's episode of Sound of the State, Senators Adriane Johnson and Willie Preston discuss what Black History means to them and how they celebrate Black excellency in the Senate.
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Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved
SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats joined Governor Pritzker in the announcement and release of a new report from the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, which will redesign the delivery of behavioral health services for young people in the state. The initiative’s goal is to transform statewide systems to provide clear, consistent and comprehensive guidance to families seeking behavioral or mental health services for children and adolescents.
“Investment in our state’s youth through a holistic, whole-child approach provides them with the key resources and support they need to succeed,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “We are taking a positive step toward ensuring families of children who struggle with severe behavior health needs are uplifted and have access to the high-quality care they deserve.”
The initiative was first launched in March 2022 to address the rising crisis of mental and behavioral health issues facing children in Illinois. It set out to research current resources available in the state and to develop recommendations to better help families. Leading the initiative is Dr. Dana Weiner, who worked in collaboration with the Illinois Departments of Human Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Children and Family Services, Juvenile Justice, Public Health and the State Board of Education to develop a set of streamlined, accessible and responsive solutions for families.
Read more: Senate Democrats celebrate the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative
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