SPRINGFIELD — Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to guaranteed legal representation thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie that passed committee on Tuesday.

“Youth in care deserve to have a voice in the decisions being made about their future,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Guaranteeing they have legal representation puts someone in their corner — an advocate who will stand up in court and fight for the outcomes the child wants to see.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure adding protections for homeowners and tenants who lose their home or residence due to a property tax sale as a result of unpaid property taxes sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters passed committee on Tuesday.

“Adding protections for homeowners and tenants with overdue property taxes upholds the humanity of those going through tough times,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Homeowners and tenants need to be protected from predatory tax deed purchasers.”

Current law requires tax deed purchasers to give renters notices to move immediately, with no regard to how long they have lived at the property or if the renter has a written or oral rental agreement. Tax deed purchasers have the right to file an eviction against the renter and anyone living at the property under current law, which can negatively affect the renter’s credit record even if the renter did no wrong.

SPRINGFIELD – To expand coverage of preventative screenings for liver disease, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation from the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday.

“The best chance at fighting any disease is early detection,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will provide liver disease screenings to people who need them, regardless of their health insurer status. Identifying liver disease early improves long-term health outcomes, especially for those most at-risk.”

Senate Bill 1282 requires Medicaid, private insurance plans and government employee insurance plans to cover preventative screenings for liver disease for individuals who are at high risk for liver disease. These screenings may occur every six months, and plans will be prohibited from imposing a deductible, coinsurance, co-payment or any other cost-sharing requirement.

SPRINGFIELD –  To prioritize agricultural education experiences, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure that would ensure schools consider students as being "in attendance" for a Future Farmers of America or 4-H program competition or exhibition through the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

”I’m a strong supporter of ag education and I want students to be able to continue their education outside of the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Hands on learning is essential for students to get the experience they need to understand the agriculture industry.”

Senate Bill 2132 would require schools to consider students as being "in attendance" if the student's absence is to participate in a FFA or 4-H program competition or exhibition.

Illinois FFA is a youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization across the state aimed at teaching practical skills to youth by offering lessons in communications, leadership, career development, livestock, home improvement and computer technology.

“These groups often participate in events like fairs and competitions that can conflict with school schedules,” Turner said. “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I have seen and heard the hurdles students have faced. It’s time we let them learn through experiences without being jeopardized.”

Senate Bill 2132 passed the Senate Education Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

CHICAGO – To promote child care access and affordability, State Senator Mike Simmons took part in the White House State Legislative Convening on Tuesday, speaking on Illinois’ paid leave legislation and his proposed child tax credit.

“It was an honor to meet with White House officials and fellow Federal and State legislators today,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Working parents are struggling more than ever before, and it is time we find solutions at State and Federal levels to help provide families with affordable and accessible child care and services. I want the next generation of moms, dads, caretakers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and children to live dignified and abundant lives where they are not always struggling to meet the most basic expenses.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is relaunching and investing an additional $175 million in funding for the Back to Business grant program. The latest opportunity is designed to provide additional targeted support for industries including restaurants, hotels and businesses or organizations in the creative arts sector.

“The Back to Business program and other relief efforts helped thousands of small businesses across Chicago and Illinois bounce back from the pandemic,” said State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago). “Because Illinois has been responsible in our budgeting, we are able to provide funds for entrepreneurs and businesses that need it most.”

The program design is based on legislation establishing the Restaurant Employment and Stabilization Grant Program, Hotel Jobs Recovery Grant Program and the Illinois Creative Recovery Grant program. The funding is designed to offset losses and support job retention in the hardest-hit industries.

“Tourism businesses like restaurants, hotels, and arts organizations are the beating heart of not just my district's local economy, but they are critical to the entire state,” said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “I look forward to businesses across Illinois being reinvigorated by these dollars as they gear up for what will be an incredible travel summer for our state.”

Senate Democrat-led measure guaranteeing paid leave for workers signed into law

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford joined fellow Senate Democrats in applauding the signing of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, making Illinois the third state in the U.S. to guarantee paid leave.

“It’s not uncommon for life to get in the way of work – be it your child unexpectedly gets sick or your car breaks down. You shouldn’t be punished for these everyday obstacles,” said Lightford (D-Maywood), whose decades of work lifting up working families has included championing numerous increases to the state’s minimum wage and expanding worker protections for employees targeted by layoffs. “With the signing of this legislation, we are leading a significant, positive impact on the lives of residents across our state and underscoring our commitment to uplifting working families.”

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Koehler visits Heartland Community College to discuss increased investments in higher education

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Dave Koehler stood alongside school faculty and community leaders at Heartland Community College last week to discuss proposed investments to higher education.

“Increased investments toward our community colleges give Illinoisans the opportunity to pursue their education here, making it possible for residents to receive their degree and find high paying jobs in central Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By making college more affordable, Illinois is painting a brighter future for our future workforce.”

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Fine advocates for universities to provide more accessibility resources to students with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – To make the transition to higher education smoother for students with disabilities, State Senator Laura Fine is sponsoring The Removing Barriers to Higher Education Act. This legislation will make it more convenient for students to provide documentation to the school to demonstrate that they have a disability.

“Under current law, students may have to undergo costly assessments to prove they qualify for disability services in college,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This initiative will allow students to save time and money by allowing them to submit documentation of accommodations that they received during their K-12 years.”

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CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel joined state and local officials at Joliet Junior College to emphasize the importance of investing in Illinois’ community colleges at a press conference on Thursday.

“Investing in our community colleges across the state gives students the opportunity to get a good paying job after graduation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Continuing to invest in Joliet Junior College and offering workforce training and development, manufacturing, EV technology and more puts students on a path toward exceling in a career that fits them.”

JJC is the nation’s first public community college, and currently serves around 27,000 students each year across six campuses. Illinois has the third largest community college system in the country.