SPRINGFIELD – To improve the quality of health care for people living in rural parts of the state, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to provide financial incentives to physicians who perform medical services in rural areas.

“Passing this bill will mean that people across the state will have an increased access to high quality health care,” said Turner. “We must work to improve access to quality care in rural Illinois.”

Private rural health clinics have opened in more recent years, providing the same quality care as hospitals in communities across the state. Physicians working in private clinics, at times in underserved areas, are not currently eligible for loan forgiveness even though they sometimes work in underserved areas. Senate Bill 3017 will ensure that if the physicians who work in private rural health facilities also receive loan forgiveness.

SPRINGFIELD - A measure to make the capitol complex more accessible for visitors with disabilities clears an important hurdle thanks to State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“The Capitol grounds belong to all of the people, '' said Peters. “All people, regardless of their physical ability, should be able to freely move about the capitol and be able to navigate their way through our public spaces.” 

Senate Bill 0180 requires the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate to each appoint an accessibility coordinator to work in consultation with the Architect of the Capitol to address accessibility needs for each chamber.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure spearheaded by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that would help recruit more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by providing an income tax credit passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Many communities rely on volunteer fire departments when they are in a crisis,” Belt said. “These fire departments across Illinois are struggling with a shortage of firefighters and EMS personnel volunteers.”

Senate Bill 3027 would provide a $500 income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who are a member or work for a fire department or fire protection district for at least nine months and do not receive more than $10,000 for their volunteer services during the taxable year. Current law does not provide a tax credit. Other states that offer a similar credit include New York, Iowa and Maryland.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) aimed to encourage people to invest in cars and small trucks manufactured in Illinois advanced out of the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“Encouraging consumers to purchase vehicles that are manufactured in-state is a simple and effective way to support our statewide economy,” Koehler said. “By offering an economic incentive for vehicles made in Illinois, we can make the decision easy when it comes down to purchasing in- versus out-of-state cars.”

Under Senate Bill 3609, Illinoisans purchasing cars or passenger trucks will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title fee if the vehicle was manufactured in Illinois.  The application for title must occur within one year of the month the vehicle was manufactured.

MEDIA ADVISORY — SPRINGFIELD — Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault often face immense pressure when taking the courageous step to file an order of protection against their abuser.

To give survivors a safer, more comfortable way to file for a protective order, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is leading a measure to allow people to request such documentation through virtual means. He will discuss how it will impact survivors at a press conference Wednesday.

“The weight of trauma a survivor carries becomes detrimental as they struggle to cope with grief and take the steps necessary to begin to heal,” Stadelman said. “By giving survivors an opportunity to file for protective orders at their own pace in the safety of their own home, we are giving them the keys to move forward.”

Grain Bin Safety Week is February 20-26

KANKAKEE – To prevent fatalities on the farm during the busy harvest season, Senate Agriculture Committee chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is joining officials in reminding farmers and farm workers to be cautious when working in and around grain bins.

“There is a responsibility that comes with living in a rural area, we have to continue to take care of friends and neighbors” Joyce said. “With delayed emergency response times, it is crucial to review all safety precautions.”

While essential to Illinois’ harvests, grain handling equipment and storage containers can quickly become dangerous. In 2020, Illinois Fire Departments responded to a nation leading 12 rescue incidents at Illinois grain bins and elevators.

Senate Democrats commend selection of new Legislative Inspector General

SPRINGFIELD – Michael McCuskey, a former public defender and judge, was selected by the Senate last week to serve as the state’s next Legislative Inspector General.

"Judge McCuskey has an impeccable record and is widely known as an extremely ethical person," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). "He has a history of working in a bipartisan manner and a distinguished record as a judge. He was nominated for a federal judgeship by Bill Clinton and confirmed by a Republican-controlled U.S. Senate and later served 15 years on the Illinois Supreme Court’s Commission on Professionalism."

Read more.

Senate approves Glowiak Hilton's initiative to expedite professional licenses

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation out of the Senate to require the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue state licenses in four weeks.

“Health care workers, accountants, speech pathologists and a variety of others are ready to enter their respective industries but are waiting months for their professional licenses to be issued by the state,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With this initiative, I hope to expedite the time it takes IDFPR to process applications and allow residents to get to work more quickly.”

Read more.

Pacione-Zayas measures to support students with post-graduation plans pass Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To offer students more options following graduation from high school, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) advanced two measures out of the Senate.

“Many students are pushed toward college from a young age, but it’s important for them to know that there are other options if that’s not what they want to do,” Pacione-Zayas said. “From furthering education in the trades or going straight into a career, these young adults deserve to know what else is out there.”

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Crowe measure to empower mothers who endure sexual abuse during childbirth passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To offer support to mothers who are survivors of sexual abuse while giving birth, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) advanced an initiative through the Senate to allow parents to remove the physician’s name from a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

“When giving birth, women trust their physician to offer support, guidance and encouragement on one of the happiest, most memorable days of her life,” Crowe said. “Unfortunately, there are multiple cases where mothers endure sexual assault and abuse in the process, and this measure aims to remove the disgraced physician’s name from the child’s birth certificate.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to expedite the issuance of professional licenses, championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday.

“This measure cuts red tape for new professionals entering the workforce,” Joyce said. “Advocating for hard-working Illinoisans is my top priority and this legislation does just that.”

The legislation was introduced after hearing word from local residents that the professional licensing process was taking too long. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted. The measure would expedite licenses for health care workers, accountants, speech pathologists and other professionals.