SPRINGFIELD - Following the Senate’s passage of a landmark piece of legislation that will cement Illinois’ status as a leader in the clean energy sector and save thousands of jobs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement: 

“After years of difficult negotiations, a broad coalition of stakeholders came to a bipartisan agreement that will define the future of clean energy in Illinois. The Illinois Senate, and the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, refuse to allow ratepayers to foot the bill for a transition to a cleaner energy future that did not include our valued nuclear fleet. We traveled the state, conducted thorough hearings and made clear in negotiations that good-paying jobs and our environment must be preserved at all costs. This starts with our nuclear fleet, the most precious natural resource the state of Illinois can offer.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans could soon be able to count on clean and reliable energy to power their homes under Senate Bill 18, also known as the Energy Transition Act, a plan State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) says will put the state at the forefront of the nationwide race toward renewable electricity production:

“The Energy Transition Act represents not only the largest investment in renewable energy in Illinois history, but also the most innovative clean energy agreement in the nation.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) supported a groundbreaking piece of legislation Wednesday that would establish Illinois as a national leader in the clean energy sector while preserving and creating jobs throughout the state. 

“With the passage of this comprehensive legislation, we are preserving jobs and putting people to work, all while building a cleaner, healthier, more stable environment we all deserve,” Bennett said.

­SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 18, the Energy Transition Act:

“The Energy Transition Act is the strongest clean jobs plan in the nation, and I am proud to have voted in support of this legislation.

“This comprehensive package expands our renewable energy portfolio to make Illinois a leader in the fight against climate change. It sets bold decarbonization goals that prioritize the health of all Illinois residents, including those most affected by environmental injustice, and creates grant programs so working people in the energy sector experience a just transition to a good-paying job in clean energy.

SPRINGFIELD – During her time in public service, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has worked tirelessly as an environmental advocate, pushing for bold action against climate change. After casting her vote in support of Senate Bill 18, a comprehensive energy policy overhaul that puts Illinois on the path to 100% clean energy, Senator Fine released the following statement:

“As a staunch advocate for environmental policy that protects Illinoisans’ lives and livelihoods, I am proud to support legislation that sets Illinois on a path to a cleaner, carbon-free future by transitioning to clean electricity generation by 2050, protecting our planet and our children for decades to come.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham, who has been deeply involved in negotiations on a piece of legislation meant to spark Illinois’ renewable energy sector and preserve and create tens of thousands of jobs, praised the legislation’s Senate passage.

“This plan would make Illinois a national leader in fighting climate change,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “It also will help transition our energy workforce from fossil fuels to renewables earlier than any other state, giving those workers a distinct advantage in training and experience.”

SPRINGFIELD – Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have a less restrictive alternative to guardianship to support their daily living, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Friday.

“Adults with disabilities deserve the opportunity to make decisions in how they live their daily lives when possible,” Feigenholtz said. “This law helps many people with disabilities build confidence and become better self-advocates.”

CHICAGO – Felony prostitution charges, which have not existed in Illinois since 2013, will be expunged under a new law signed today, the result of legislation by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago).

“The fact we have stopped charging prostitution as a felony means nothing to those whose records continue to be hurt by these charges,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “I want to thank Gov. Pritzker for signing this legislation and moving us beyond a dynamic that only serves to harm sex workers and perpetuate a dangerous, exploitative environment for them.”