SPRINGFIELD – Restaurants and truck stops will provide their employees with trainings and protocols to recognize the human trafficking problem in the state thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) that took effect Jan. 1.

“Human trafficking is a form of industrialized kidnapping and modern-day slavery that hides in plain sight,” Collins said. “Measures like this begin to confront the problem, which disproportionately affects the number of missing Black girls and women in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – Families across Illinois will now have more resources to help support relatives seeking treatment in mental health facilities under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that took effect in the new year.

“Family members can feel helpless if they aren’t able to receive any updates about the status of a loved one receiving treatment in a mental health facility,” Senator Fine said. “This law will inform families, which will in turn help them create a plan of action to support the individual receiving treatment after discharge.”

MARYVILLE – Madison County residents impacted by the December tornado now have an extension to file their taxes, and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is pleased to see they will have additional time to get their affairs in order.

“Our community bravely faced a natural disaster that struck our community last month,” Crowe said. “During this difficult time, people affected by this devastating storm should focus on recovery for themselves and their families.”

The tax relief announced Thursday will postpone filing deadlines and relieve certain late payment penalties for those hit by storms starting Dec. 10, 2021. Individuals and businesses will have until May 16 to file returns and pay any income taxes originally due during this period, including 2021 individual income tax returns due April 18, and various 2021 business returns normally due March 15 and April 18.

Taxpayers affected by the extension can defer making fourth-quarter estimated tax payments, normally due Jan. 18, and instead include it with the 2021 return they file by May 16.

If filing a return via postal mail, taxpayers should write “Tornado-December 2021” on the top of their returns in red. If filing electronically, taxpayers must notify the department that their return will be delayed by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a social security number, only include the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

“I hope the extra time allotted to prepare, file and pay state taxes will be helpful,” Crowe said.

Tax filing relief is now available to taxpayers who live or have a business in Bond, Cass, Coles, Effingham, Fayette, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike and Shelby counties.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced that victims of severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes beginning December 10, 2021 now have until May 16, 2022, to file various individual and business tax returns and make income tax payments.

“My heart still aches for the residents and businesses affected by the severe tornado storms that ravaged through our communities last December,” said Turner. “May this extension give taxpayers, home and businesses owners additional relief to prepare for tax time without incurring penalties as deadlines approach.”

SPRINGFIELD – To prioritize the safety of first responders, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) championed new requirements drivers must adhere to when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road

“First responders prioritize Illinois residents’ safety every day,” Munoz said. “We need to come together to protect the individuals on the front line who are assisting roadside emergencies. Slow down and move over when approaching any vehicle on the side of the road.”

SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support higher education students across Illinois took effect Jan. 1.

“I have always prioritized education during my time in the Senate, and I believe people will need higher education and job training more than ever after this pandemic,” State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work the General Assembly accomplished this past year to help students flourish in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – The subject of agricultural sciences can now be counted toward admission to an Illinois public university under a plan backed by State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield).

“The expansion of agricultural education for high schoolers and college students will validate rural students who choose this career path,” said Turner. “I’m extremely proud of the work done to expand our current curricula to include specialized sciences.”

SPRINGFIELD – State parks are now required to fly the United States, Illinois and prisoner of war/missing in action flags under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Walking in the park one day, I overheard a boy ask his grandfather what the three flags waving in the wind were for,” Belt said. “The grandfather pointed to the U.S. flag and said ‘That represents the best nation in the world.’ He continued to the Illinois flag and replied ‘This is for the best state in our country.’ Lastly, he pointed to the POW/MIA flag and said ‘The individuals this flag represents is why the U.S. and Illinois flags are flown today.’”

The new law requires Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fly a United States, Illinois and POW/MIA flag at all state parks within five years after it is signed into law. Additionally, the legislation allows for groups and individuals to donate resources to the department’s Special Projects Fund to cover any costs.