SPRINGFIELD – To adopt federal regulations for flying a flag at half-staff into the Illinois Code, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) advanced legislation out of the Senate Wednesday.

“As a symbol of respect or mourning, communities take notice of flags flown at half-staff,” Johnson said. “By adopting the federal law into our state code, we are working to ensure the process is unified and done appropriately.”

The initiative amends Illinois’ current Flag Display Act to outline the circumstances in which the United States flag should be flown at half-staff, the necessary procedures and time allotted. The Act states the flag could be lowered to half-staff to recognize Memorial Day, death of a government official, line-of-duty military deaths or other occurrences deemed honorary by the governor.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce’s (D-Essex) proposal to declare Oct. 28, 2021 as First Responders Day in Illinois cleared the Senate Wednesday.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line each day to ensure our safety, protection and well-being,” Joyce said. “I’m thrilled that this measure has been adopted by my colleagues in the Senate and will allow us to properly celebrate these folks next week.”

This idea was brought to Joyce by a 911 dispatcher in Kankakee County and led to Senate Resolution 534. This designated day will recognize and remember the first responders lost and extends gratitude to all first responders for continuously putting their lives on the line for the citizens of Illinois.

In addition, it specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety. 

“There’s no question our first responders have difficult jobs,” Joyce said. “Designating this day to our first responders will ensure we all pause and reflect on all they do for us and our communities.”

Senate Resolution 534 was adopted by the Senate with bipartisan support.

SPRINGFIELD – To demonstrate honor and respect for many of the state’s bravest and most selfless public servants, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) supported a resolution to recognize First Responders Day in Illinois.

“First responders were essential to Illinois residents’ safety during the height of the pandemic last year, with many working overtime despite the risk of possible COVID-19 exposure for themselves and their loved ones,” Crowe said. “Although law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel deserve our community’s respect throughout the year, designating a day statewide is important to recognize their efforts and contributions to protecting Illinois families.”

Under the initiative, Oct. 28, 2021 will be recognized as First Responders Day in Illinois. Senate Resolution 534 was adopted by the Senate Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the preventable deaths in Illinois veterans’ homes from COVID-19 and legionella over the past several years, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) sponsored a measure to create the Veterans’ Accountability Unit, which passed the Senate Wednesday.

“After the tragic COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home last year, it is imperative that the agencies charged with helping our veterans have proper oversight,” said Cullerton, chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs committee. “The Veterans Accountability Unit provides an extra layer of transparency that can help prevent future issues.”

The legislation, House Bill 359, creates the unit, with offices to be housed in Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs buildings and veterans’ homes. The unit will be tasked with reporting complaints and recommendations from veterans, IDVA employees and other Illinois residents to the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor.

Additionally, the unit will establish a toll-free helpline and email, maintain regular office hours and create an annual report that includes a summary of complaints and actions taken in response to them.

“The Veterans’ Accountability Unit will make sure our veterans have even more seats the table when it comes to their care in Illinois,” Cullerton said. “We must continue to do what we can to make sure the veterans who have sacrificed so much are properly supported.”

HB 359 passed the Senate Wednesday and will now move to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A landmark plan to protect pregnant mothers by setting standards for the qualifications and education of midwives in Illinois sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Midwives play a huge role in many women’s pregnancies, from providing care and guidance before pregnancy all the way to postpartum care,” Castro said. “Making sure these health care providers have proper education and training will ensure that women are in the best hands at a vital time in their and their babies’ lives.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) congratulated local businesses that were awarded grants from the latest round of the Back to Business program awards.

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations such as staff and overhead costs.

“I am happy to see the Back to Business grants going toward businesses in our neighborhoods that need help to get back on their feet,” Martwick said. “These funds will help struggling business owners return to operation and pay their employees.”

Twenty-three businesses in the district Martwick represents have already received $1.4 million in grants. They include restaurants, retail stores, and limousine companies, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community. For a full list of businesses that have received Back to Business grants, visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awards page at illinois.gov/B2BAwards.

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) took time last week to visit two Envision Unlimited facilities in the district she represents. The visit allowed her to see first-hand the importance of providing support for people with disabilities through community-based programs. 

“Envision Unlimited is doing such important work serving people of all ages who live with disabilities,” Pacione-Zayas said. “Meeting some of the program participants and the people that help provide them with support was affirming in knowing what I need to advocate for in Springfield. Having a parent who navigates state disability services, I have witnessed how daunting it can be to secure consistent support despite having a stable family and housing structure.”

Envision Unlimited has served residents of Illinois for over 70 years, in 22 counties, with over 2,000 individuals currently benefitting from their home and community-based programs.  

“The success of our mission to provide Illinoisans who have disabilities a broad array of choices, maximum independence and inclusion in the larger society greatly depends upon the support of state government,” said Envision Unlimited CEO Mark McHugh. “Senator Pacione-Zayas’ interest in the lives of people with disabilities is refreshing and heartwarming. Our staff was honored to host her and grateful that she cared enough to witness what we do on a daily basis to uplift Illinois residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness.”

During her visit, Pacione-Zayas visited the Cornelia Community Integrated Living Arrangement which provides mental health support to women and encourages them to move toward independence. She also visited the Diversey Center whose day program focuses on development and enhancement of daily adaptive living skills and economic self-sufficiency for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

“Envision Unlimited provides not only the necessary safety net, but also targeted clinical support to ensure community members can lead a dignified independent lifestyle,” Pacione-Zayas said. “ I look forward to partnering on how we can leverage future opportunities to advance the mission of the organization.”

Learn more about Envision Unlimited and the support services they provide to people and children with intellectual/developmental disabilities on their website.  

CHICAGO – State Senator Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) and House Assistant Majority Leader Delia Ramirez (D- Chicago) along with other community leaders celebrated a new law that allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to designate cultural districts throughout the state.

“I am proud to have worked on this new law, and I am excited to see how communities come together to preserve their identities,” Pacione-Zayas said. “The law affirms and uplifts all the unique cultures in our state as we work toward economic recovery from the pandemic.”