SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham passed legislation out of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee that would help promote mental health treatment for police officers and firefighters by providing better focus for the First Responder Suicide Prevention Task Force.

“First responders have difficult, stressful, important jobs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “They need and deserve more mental health support.”

According to studies cited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, firefighters consider and attempt suicide at a higher rate than the general population, and nationally, between 125 and 300 police officers commit suicide every year.

Cunningham’s legislation would require the First Responder Suicide Prevention Task Force to make recommendations in specific areas that would help prevent suicide and connect first responders to mental health resources.

The legislation emphasizes access to mental health and wellness services, peer support groups, and ongoing education relating to mental health. It also requires the task force to make recommendations regarding specialized mental health training targeted at first responders.

“Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs put their lives on the line every day to help keep our families and communities safe,” Cunningham said. “They experience real trauma that can trigger mental health and substance abuse issues. We need to do more to help keep them and their families healthy.”

The measure, House Bill 3911, now goes before the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Findings from a report requested by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) shows LGBTQ youth in care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are not being properly identified, placed, tracked or counted. Today, Morrison is calling on the department to adhere to its own policies immediately.

“LGBTQ youth in care are disproportionately likely to become homeless and deal with mental health struggles, yet the very agency that is supposed to protect them is doing them great disservice,” Morrison said. “DCFS fell short. It is not adhering to its own policies put in place to respect LGBTQ children’s identities and the care they need.”

The auditor general investigated how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. However, the audit found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."

“We must ensure all children are placed in understanding environments that accept them and supports their authentic selves,” Morrison said.

Morrison plans to host a subject matter in June to further discuss the report and determine steps to a solution.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that would help reduce recidivism rates is one step closer to becoming law.

“Incarcerated people who are coming out of the system need to be able to live their best lives, and that requires providing proper services and support,” Peters said. “Otherwise, they may face challenges that push them to the brink and risk further destabilization, which could result in them ending up back in prison.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced that the Rockford area is set to receive $1.95 million for improvements to roads and highways in the upcoming year as a part of the state’s multi-year construction plan.

“I am happy to see another round of funding for infrastructure improvements,” Stadelman said. “This construction will help ensure the safety of people traveling on our roads while providing meaningful income for those working hard to repair them.”

The improvements to the roads in the Rockford area include reconstruction and rehabilitation to Harrison Ave., S. Main St., N. 2^nd St., Kishwaukee St., Springfield Ave., and various other locations in the Rockford area.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to educate residents on the risks associated with opioid dependence, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) co-sponsored legislation requiring the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to compile educational materials for patients who have been prescribed opioids.

“Educating residents on the dangers associated with opioid dependency is an effective way to prevent opioids from being misused and abused,” Crowe said. “By authorizing IDHS to publish information through various multimedia paths, Illinois is working collaboratively to educate patients with opioid prescriptions before an addiction starts.”

An initiative of the Illinois State Medical Society, the measure requires IDHS to develop and publish a list of opioid dependence risks on its website and in a pamphlet for pharmacists to distribute.

Since joining the Senate in 2019, Crowe has taken several steps to curb the opioid crisis in communities statewide.

“Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing opioid epidemic continues to devastate families across Illinois,” Crowe said. “Proactively educating residents on the dangers of opioid dependence is intended to stop addictions before they take hold.”

House Bill 3355 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday and will move to the full Senate for further debate.

CHICAGO – This week, in the Hermosa (Spanish for "beautiful") neighborhood of Chicago, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law House Bill 2877, which creates the framework for Illinois to use federal funding to assist renters and property owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois Rental Payment Program will distribute over $1 billion in funding to support residents experiencing housing distress.

“Today is a beautiful day. It’s a day to celebrate because this funding brings the sense of hope many families desperately need,” Aquino said. “Families will be able to remain together, stay in their homes, and have some comfort because of this law.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement in support of fast-food workers organizing for a living wage:

“When large corporations like McDonald’s are making billions in profits each year, none of their workers should live in poverty. The success of these companies is built on the labor of their employees, and those employees deserve a living wage and dignity in their work.

“No one should have to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet. It is past time that McDonald’s and other companies in the service industry pay a living wage of at least $15 per hour.”

Villanueva sigue la lucha por $15

CHICAGO – La Senadora estatal Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) dio a conocer la siguiente declaración en apoyo al derecho de organización de los trabajadores de la industria de la comida rápida en favor de ingresos dignos:

“Cuando grandes corporaciones como McDonald’s tienen miles de millones de dólares en ganancias anuales, ninguno de sus trabajadores debería vivir en la pobreza. El éxito de estas compañías se construyó con el trabajo de sus empleados, y esos trabajadores merecen ingresos dignos y suficientes.

“Nadie debería tener dos o tres trabajos para pagar con dificultad sus cuentas. Es tiempo de que McDonald’s y otras compañías en la industria de los servicios paguen un salario digno que sea de al menos $15 la hora.”

SPRINGFIELD – At a Tuesday hearing, the Senate Criminal Law Committee approved a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that would limit the ability of law enforcement agencies to intimidate Illinois residents.

House Bill 1765 would prohibit law enforcement from conducting a background check on an individual solely because of their participation at an open, public meeting.

“Law enforcement shouldn’t be running background checks simply because someone is trying to participate in a public meeting,” Peters said. “This can be seen as a form of intimidation, especially when used for police board meetings. At a public hearing, any member of the public should be able to participate without having to fear repercussions.”

The prohibition could be lifted for the purpose of ensuring event safety, as well as in cases where the individual in question is under consideration for an appointment to a government body.

“Public safety belongs to the people, and law enforcement shouldn’t be able to scare people away from participating in public meetings,” Peters said.

The measure passed committee with bipartisan support. Its next stop is the full Senate for further consideration.