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Lightford advocates for full-day kindergarten

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Thursday, May 04, 2023 10:18 AM
  • Full-Day Kindergarten
  • HB2396

lightford 050423SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is leading a measure to require all schools in the state to provide an option of full-day kindergarten.

“Kindergarten is pivotal for children’s learning journey,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Full-day kindergarten classes across the state will ensure equal access to early learning opportunities for all our families.”

Read more: Lightford advocates for full-day kindergarten

Senate Democrats celebrate Latino Unity Day at the Capitol

Details
Category: Member News
Thursday, May 04, 2023 09:54 AM
  • Villanueva
  • Villa
  • Legislative Latino Caucus

unity day 050323SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus joined nonprofit organizations, advocates, Latino associations and community members to celebrate the 11th annual Latino Unity Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

“Our communities deserve quality education, good-paying jobs, access to health care and affordable college. Our communities deserve to be safe and to have opportunities for everyone, not just to survive, but to thrive,” said joint Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “That’s why we’re here today – because while we’ve done a lot of work as the Latino Caucus, there is so much more to be done, and the way to do this is by all of us working together.”

 

Read more: Senate Democrats celebrate Latino Unity Day at the Capitol

Senator Faraci urges attorney general to take swift action against Danville health care ban

Details
Category: Senator Paul Faraci News
Wednesday, May 03, 2023 06:32 PM
  • Attorney General
  • Danville
  • Mifepristone

faraci 050323DANVILLE – Following the Danville City Council’s ordinance to prohibit the shipment of Mifepristone – which is commonly used for abortion and miscarriage management and other reproductive health care needs – State Senator Paul Faraci urged the state’s attorney general to take immediate action against the unconstitutional mandate.

“The government should not get involved in decisions made between a person and their doctor. People deserve to have access to reproductive health care free from infringement from politicians,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “During my time in the Senate, I will continue to be an advocate for women’s health care access and ensure that protections are in place to allow residents to make the best health care decisions for themselves.”

On Wednesday, Faraci sent a letter to Attorney General Kwame Y. Raoul, urging him to take swift action to address Danville’s ordinance. It comes the day after the Danville City Council passed an ordinance that would prohibit the shipment of abortion pills, such as Mifepristone, to the city.

“I have been in contact with Attorney General Raoul to request swift action to protect Danville resident’s rights to make to their own health care decisions,” said Faraci. “My hope is that immediate action is taken to protect women’s constitutional rights.”

Faraci is deeply committed to protecting the right and health of all Illinois residents. He will continue to work alongside the attorney general to ensure residents have the right to make their own health care decisions. 

Johnson leads measure to provide youth in care timely treatment

Details
Category: Senator Adriane Johnson News
Wednesday, May 03, 2023 03:10 PM
  • DCFS
  • Johnson
  • Youth In Care
  • Residential Treatment
  • HB 439

050223KP2249 Johnson

 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to improve access to residential treatment for youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“It’s vital that we keep youth in care in need of residential treatment in Illinois,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must work to avoid out-of-state transfers or placements that can be disruptive to those with complex behavioral and mental health medical needs long term.”

Johnson’s measure would require the Department of Children and Family Services to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth in care with significant behavioral health needs.

Read more: Johnson leads measure to provide youth in care timely treatment

Murphy measure to protect libraries passes Senate

Details
Category: Senator Laura Murphy News
Wednesday, May 03, 2023 02:45 PM
  • First Amendment
  • HB2789
  • Prohibit Book Bans

murphy 050323SPRINGFIELD – To protect people’s freedom to read, State Senator Laura Murphy passed legislation to prevent the banning of books.

“Our nation’s libraries have been under attack for too long—they are bastions of knowledge and proliferate the spread of ideas,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “We have a duty as lawmakers to protect the rights of our people—including the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression.”

Under this measure, a library or library system must adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights or develop a written statement prohibiting the practice of banning books or materials in order to be eligible for state grants.

 

Read more: Murphy measure to protect libraries passes Senate

Ellman seeks to educate students on the dangers of allergies

Details
Category: Senator Laura Ellman News
Wednesday, May 03, 2023 11:59 AM
  • Allergic Reaction
  • Comprehensive Health Education Program
  • HB3932

ellman 050323 2SPRINGFIELD – A measure to provide classroom instruction on food and environmental allergies and allergic reactions sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

“Most people can relate to suffering from seasonal allergies, but we also have to consider folks that suffer from food allergies,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Severe allergic reactions are life-threatening situations that can happen anywhere to both students and teachers.”

According to the CDC, one in thirteen children experience food and environmental allergies, which equates to nearly two students per classroom. Strict avoidance of the allergen is necessary, as there is no known cure for food allergies. Avoidance is not always possible, so the CDC urges education centers to develop proactive plans for responding to unprompted allergy emergencies.

Read more: Ellman seeks to educate students on the dangers of allergies

Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate local parks

Details
Category: Member News
Wednesday, May 03, 2023 10:16 AM
  • Murphy
  • IDNR
  • Johnson
  • OSLAD
  • Faraci
  • Parks Day

Parks Day 2023

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomed park districts from across the state to Springfield to celebrate Parks Day.

“Our parks are such incredible places that provide families places to enjoy the beauty of nature,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s humbling to see the positive impact parks have on our communities—and see the sheer number of people who benefit from all our parks have to offer.”

Nearly 50 different organizations gathered in the State Capitol to showcase the benefits, events and offerings of their park districts. The event promotes park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in Illinois to highlight the positive impact they have on Illinois' economy and quality of life.

“I have spent many years working with parks. Parks are safe places for people to de-stress and improve both their minds and bodies,” said State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Parks make communities better, and it’s wonderful to see all their hard work put on display.”

Read more: Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate local parks

Loughran Cappel secures over $1.6 million for Will County tourism industry

Details
Category: Senator Meg Loughran Cappel News
Tuesday, May 02, 2023 05:21 PM
  • Will County
  • Route 66
  • Travel and Tourism Grant Program

mlc elvis 050223CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel secured over $1.6 million in funding for Will County to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66 and Enjoy Illinois.

“As a lifelong resident of Will County, I know there is so much here to offer to tourists,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Making strong investments into our communities will continue to keep Will County and Illinois on the map.”

The Route 66 Grant Program awarded $3.7 million in funding to seven recipients for the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. 300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and Route 66’s economic and historical impact is felt firsthand in communities across the state.

Part of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau’s $1,609,400 funding for a variety of statewide Route 66 promotional programs will be used to support EV charging station and landscaping projects in Lockport, Bolingbrook and Joliet, along with several Route 66 monuments, murals and Route 66-themed enhancements to welcome centers and local museums.

Additionally, Will County Lodging was awarded $30,000 through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program to support local tourism promotional efforts with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions and events across the state.

“I look forward to continue attracting tourists and bringing out the vibrant history Will County has to offer,” Loughran Cappel said.

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here. For more information on the Route 66 Grant Program, click here.

More Articles …

  1. Elgin receives $44,000 for tourism industry with support from Castro
  2. Chicago organizations to receive $300,000 in tourism funding
  3. Senator Fine ensures victims of human rights violations have more avenues to seek justice
  4. Murphy joins rally to fight for Illinois families
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