SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement Thursday after an announcement from the Federal Food and Drug Administration that it will ban all menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars:

“In every form, tobacco products are dangerous to human health and can lead to serious, life-long health consequences. Banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is a crucial step toward curbing young people’s interest in smoking.

SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, Latino state lawmakers expressed support for the family of Anthony Alvarez and outrage at another life taken at the hands of police. Deeply frustrated by a system designed to produce these outcomes, lawmakers called for immediate action to eradicate state-sanctioned violence against Brown and Black young people. 

Less than two weeks after the public release of the video footage of Adam Toledo following police orders and still being killed, the lawmakers said this new evidence painfully reinforces that the status quo is unacceptable and reform cannot improve a broken system that does not guarantee public safety, whether you follow directives or as you ask, “Why are you shooting me?”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure restaurants aren’t being taken advantage of by third-party delivery services, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is sponsoring a measure to prohibit such services from profiting through deceitful means. 

“During a time when restaurant owners are already struggling with a loss of business due to the pandemic, they do not deserve greater loss from perceived bad service,” Bush said. “Mutually beneficial partnerships between delivery services and restaurants is possible, and I hope this legislation will foster an environment where that can happen.”

The measure prohibits a third-party delivery service – such as DoorDash, UberEats or PostMates – from posting or advertising a menu of a restaurant or bar without written consent from the business.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) is celebrating the signing of the Illinois Health Care and Human Service Reform Act, a historic measure to address the systemic racial inequalities within the state’s health care system, into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic devastated communities across America, it caused particular harm to families and neighborhoods that have faced decades of disinvestment and lack of opportunity due to systemic racism. To address systemic racism in Illinois, the Black Caucus identified four priority policy areas, including criminal justice, economic access, education, and health care. Today, measures addressing all four areas are now law,” ILBC Joint Caucus Chairperson state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, said. “These initiatives will address the inequities in access to comprehensive health care for our communities. I offer my thanks to Rep. Lilly and Sen. Hunter for taking the lead to pass these much needed health care reform measures, which will improve the quality of life for all residents statewide.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate has backed an effort led by State Senator Karina Villa (D-Chicago) to urge the federal government to grant residency to nonresidents who have put their lives on the line during the pandemic as essential workers in the farming, agriculture and manufacturing industries.

“We have not had comprehensive immigration reform in decades. It’s time we lend our support to the workers serving our state and nation, no matter where they’re from,” Villa said. “Our essential workers should not have to worry about deportation when they’re already putting their health at risk to keep our communities fed and our economy moving.”

Villa’s proposal urges U.S. Congress and President Joe Biden to grant residency to all farm, agricultural and manufacturing workers who are working during the COVID-19 pandemic and to grant their employers and agents immunity against any adverse action. Nearly half of these workers have been labeled as essential and have continued to work on the front lines throughout the pandemic, despite danger to their own health and safety.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) recently honored 144 Central Illinois high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“This spectacular achievement is a result of hard work and dedication,” said Turner. “I am especially proud of these students’ efforts to persevere while in the middle of a devastating pandemic. Despite the fear and uncertainty this infectious disease has brought on, these students have maintained an esteemed level of academic excellence and I am so proud of each and every one of them.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings offered congratulations to over 400 South Suburban high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“Those who excel in the classroom in high school set themselves up well for a lifetime of success,” Hastings said. “These remarkable young people always deserve recognition for their hard work – but even more so as they persevered to emerge from a global pandemic as one of our state’s brightest.”

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

SPRINGFIELD – Acting on recommendations from the Elder Abuse Task Force, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has advanced a plan through the Senate to update state practices aimed at protecting older residents.

“Preceding the pandemic, abuse targeted at older residents was a growing concern,” Crowe said. “To face challenges surrounding abandonment, financial exploitation and isolation, we need comprehensive solutions that enact effective change for older Illinoisans.”

Crowe’s proposal includes provisions to enhance protections for older residents by expanding the Adult Protective Services Act to include reports of abandonment. It would also extend the statute of limitations from three years to seven years in cases of theft by deception where the victim is 60 years of age or older or disabled.

Senate Bill 701 also strengthens cases of financial exploitation to include potential charges for trusted friends and acquaintances.

Under the measure, the Illinois Department on Aging must offer an annual trauma-informed training program for Adult Protective Services employees.

Crowe created the Elder Abuse Task Force with State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) in 2019 to bring together agency officials, elder abuse experts and law enforcement to assess current laws and suggest policy updates. The task force delivered a report to the General Assembly containing their recommendations on Jan. 1, 2021.

“I appreciate the efforts of the task force members to figure out how the state can improve current practices designed to protect our older friends, neighbors and loved ones,” Stuart said. “Their work will allow us to continue to serve the needs of aging residents in Illinois.”

“The Elder Abuse Task Force afforded the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue in the interest of positive change for older Illinois residents affected by crime,” said task force member Captain Kristopher Tharp with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. “The passage of this bill affirms a commitment on the part of all task force members, including law enforcement, to seeking justice and wellness for Illinois crime victims and their families.”

Those who are experiencing abuse, neglect or financial exploitation - or suspect someone they know is experiencing them - should call the statewide 24-hour Abuse Hotline at 866-800-1409 or visit the Department on Aging’s website.

Senate Bill 701 moves to the House for further consideration.