ELGIN – To highlight the ongoing success of community and financial organization partnerships, State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging credit unions, community organizations, service groups and other financial institutions committed to improving the financial stability of Illinois residents to join the Bank On Illinois coalition.

“Middle class families in Illinois have suffered from the ill effects of crippling bank fees for long enough,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I’m proud to have sponsored and fought for the passage of legislation that gives working families in Illinois some peace of mind, and I’m glad to see it working to financially empower residents across our state.”

The Bank On Illinois initiative, passed in 2019, established a commission to monitor banking practices across the state to ensure that people in Illinois have access to bank accounts that offer fair financial service options, including no maintenance fees, low or no minimum deposit requirements, low or no overdraft fees, and methods to open accounts using forms of identification other than the traditional driver’s license or state ID card.

Holmes, Ellman call for awareness and action to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer

AURORA – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the women of the Senate Democratic Caucus urge residents to check with their health care providers to learn more about the disease, discuss the risks and develop the right plan for breast cancer screenings -- because early detection can save lives.
Following skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.

“It is imperative we work as a community to educate friends and family on the significance for women to create a health plan that works with their lifestyle and history,” said State Senator Linda Holmes. “One in eight women in the nation will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. We need to raise awareness and increase access for individuals to work with their doctors to learn about detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

Read more.

Tharp joins state effort to reduce opioid epidemic

MARYVILLE – To continue his advocacy on behalf of working families and to help reduce the opioid epidemic’s widespread harm, State Senator Kris Tharp was appointed to serve on the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board.

“Opioid addictions can not only lead to fatalities but can also induce hardships for working families, such as safety and financial concerns,” said Senator Tharp (D-Bethalto). “In my position as a law enforcement officer, I’m familiar with the prevalence of opioid abuse in Madison County. I’m grateful for this appointment and the opportunity to ensure resources are fairly distributed to reduce the epidemic.”

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Belt: We owe more to first responders killed in the line of duty

MARION – To support the families of fallen first responders, State Senator Christopher Belt has been advocating for a new state initiative to adequately fund line-of-duty benefits.

“Public safety officers and first responders have done much to protect their communities, and it’s right by them that they are honored for their sacrifice,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Family members of fallen first responders deserve financial protection as a standard.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: Hispanic Heritage Month

State Senators Cristina Castro and Cristina Pacione-Zayas join the Sound of the State podcast to discuss their experiences as Latina lawmakers, engaging the community’s youth, and more, as we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. Listen here.

Listen here.

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MARION – To support the families of fallen first responders, State Senator Christopher Belt joined Comptroller Susana Mendoza, downstate police, fire officials and families in Marion Thursday to advocate for a new state initiative to adequately fund line-of-duty benefits.

“Public safety officers and first responders have done much to protect their communities, and it’s right by them that they are honored for their sacrifice,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Family members of fallen first responders deserve financial protection as a standard.”

In each fiscal year budget, the General Assembly appropriates a line item for line-of-duty benefits, but in the event insufficient resources are available, Senate Bill 4229 and House Bill 5785 guarantees families receive their owed benefits. Senator Belt is the chief Senate sponsor of the initiative.

AURORA – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the women of the Senate Democratic Caucus urge residents to check with their health care providers to learn more about the disease, discuss the risks and develop the right plan for breast cancer screenings -- because early detection can save lives.

Following skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.

“It is imperative we work as a community to educate friends and family on the significance for women to create a health plan that works with their lifestyle and history,” said State Senator Linda Holmes. “One in 8 women in the nation will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. We need to raise awareness and increase access for individuals to work with their doctors to learn about detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

ESSEX – The “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour put on by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association visited CSL Behring in Bradley last week, where State Senator Patrick Joyce spoke about the contributions of CSL to the community.

“Manufacturing has continued to have a significant impact to our state’s economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The amount of jobs and revenue manufacturing brings to our region and state shows this is a major economic driver in Illinois.”

CSL Behring is a pharmaceutical manufacturer that is a global leader in creating products to cure rare and serious diseases. The company employs over 1,800 individuals in the area.

ESSEX – To support the families of fallen first responders, State Senator Patrick Joyce signed on as a chief co-sponsor to a new state initiative to ensure line-of-duty benefits are adequately funded.

“First responders put their lives on the line any time they clock in for a shift,” said Joyce. (D-Essex). “When someone tragically loses their life on the line of duty, that loss is extremely painful to not only the community, but to their family. Families are already mourning the loss of a loved one – they don’t need the added financial stressors.”

In each year’s budget, the General Assembly appropriates funding for line-of-duty death benefits. In the event that insufficient resources are available, Senate Bill 4229 guarantees families receive their owed benefits.

ROMEOVILLE – The brave men and women who served our nation and safeguarded our freedom deserve gratitude and to know that once they come home, they will be supported. That’s why State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, State Representative Natalie Manley, and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant will partner with local groups to host a Veterans Rights Seminar Nov. 19.

“People who put their lives on hold in service of something greater than themselves deserve to know their rights,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This event serves as a small token of appreciation for our local heroes, helps them connect with others who have served, and gives them an opportunity to learn more about their rights as veterans.”

Turner pushes measure to encourage fiscal responsibility

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers may soon be required to make regular payments toward the state’s rainy day and pension funds, thanks to State Senator Doris Turner.
Turner (D-Springfield) introduced Senate Bill 4230, which would send $200 million into the fund at the end of each fiscal year or the amount that is necessary to ensure the rainy day fund is 5% of the state budget.

“The state’s budget is a representation of our residents’ values and priorities,” said Turner. “It is important that we put the mechanisms in place to ensure Illinois has a secure financial future. This measure will build these assurances into our budgets going forward to display our commitment to fiscal stability and security.”

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Joyce reminds residents of fire prevention tips

ESSEX – In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging families to put together a secure fire safety plan.

“It’s possible that a fire can ignite at any moment in your home,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It is essential that all families have a strategy to keep themselves and their children safe in case of an emergency.”

Read more.

Bennett highlights College Changes Everything Month

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett is reminding Illinois residents that October is College Changes Everything Month in Illinois. This month, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will team up with high schools and community partners to support students in their college admission processes.

“The transition from high school to college can be confusing to students, which often times turns away interest in pursuing higher education,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “College Changes Everything Month is a great time to take advantage of the resources available to high school seniors.”

Read more.

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Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved