SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of a comprehensive energy policy overhaul package, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) said it’s a sign Illinois is finally stepping up to protect the communities most vulnerable to pollution and climate change:

“We’re already seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change right here in Lake County: heat waves, more intense storms and rising water levels on Lake Michigan are threatening households across the community. Low-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods of color have borne the brunt of air and water pollution for decades, and their health has suffered.

“But thanks to Senate Bill 2408, our future looks brighter. Illinois now has a plan to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 in a way that protects jobs and creates new opportunities for Black and Brown Illinoisans looking to enter the green energy industry.

“Good energy policy is about people, not fossil fuel companies. I’m proud to support this groundbreaking green energy plan and help Illinois move forward into a better future.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would make Illinois a national leader in reducing carbon emissions, fight climate change, and preserve jobs passed the Senate Monday.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who serves as chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, led legislative negotiations for the Senate Democratic Caucus. 

“Today’s historic agreement is the culmination of a difficult, but worthwhile negotiation process where we refused to accept anything less than the best for Illinois’ clean energy future,” Hastings said. “Our work product is one that is renewable, reliable, and affordable for all Illinoisans.”

SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon’s statement on the Illinois Senate giving final approval to a sweeping climate and energy proposal.

“The threat to our planet is real.

Our goal all along was to enact reliable, renewable and affordable energy policies that position Illinois to lead the nation in combatting climate change and growing a green energy economy.

That is exactly what we are doing here today.

SPRINGFIELD – After countless hours of negotiations, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement in support of the comprehensive energy package that prioritizes jobs in the energy workforce:

“As we move toward making Illinois a national leader in the clean energy conversation, we are ensuring families who rely on energy-related jobs are protected. This landmark legislation prioritizes the hardworking people of Illinois’ energy industry. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), who has worked tirelessly for years to bring a comprehensive and just energy transition package to Illinois, released the following statement regarding the General Assembly’s passage of the state’s historic energy measure:

“After years of fighting the battle for clean energy, I am pleased we were able to come together to pass a comprehensive energy package that puts environmental justice and equity at the center of the work to move Illinois to 100% clean energy.

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, celebrated the measure’s final passage through the General Assembly.

“This ambitious plan would make Illinois a national leader in fighting climate change and creating jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “This legislation has been years in the making, and I want to thank both the labor and environmental communities for their passion and dedication in getting it across the finish line.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – After a busy legislative spring session, Illinoisans will benefit from a number of new laws championed by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“This spring I was able to pass more than a dozen new laws, including water and sewer assistance to low-income residents, help for service members who wish to receive their professional licenses quicker, and a requirement for state parks to fly three flags that represent our freedom,” Belt said. “I look forward to seeing these newly signed laws create a long-term benefit for the residents of the 57^th District and all Illinoisans.”

20 years later, we remember 9/11

On the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, let’s take a moment to remember the victims and first responders who lost their lives on that tragic day, as well as the families, friends and loved ones they left behind. Two decades later, the day is still difficult for many of us. May their memories inspire us to love one another more completely, to come together in times of strife, and to help each other cope, recover and grieve as one American family.

Corruption-busting U.S. attorney is Harmon's pick for inspector general search panel

SPRINGFIELD — Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon has been named to the search committee for a new Illinois Legislative Inspector General by Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

Fardon is arguably best known for his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, where he oversaw prosecution in areas of corporate misconduct, health care and securities fraud, public corruption, gangs, terrorism and other criminal and civil matters.

Read more.

Martwick announces back-to-school expenses could bring tax benefits to residents

CHICAGO — Many families are returning to school, and State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) wants to remind taxpayers they could be eligible to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2021 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“Parents need help after a long year of quarantine,” Martwick said. “Illinois is helping these families pay for educational expenses, lifting a small burden from their shoulders.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

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Senator Laura Murphy, Des Plaines: New IL law could help reduce pedestrian fatalities | WMBD

Senator Steve Stadelman, Rockford: Reporter-turned-state senator fights for local journalism | WCBU
 

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