SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced an initiative through the House and Senate that would allow local government to apply for loans through the Illinois Finance Authority Climate Bank in an effort to expand clean energy infrastructure across Illinois while saving tax payers money on interest rates.

“We need every level of government to do their part when it comes to mitigating the effects of climate change,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Through the IFA bank, these low-rate loans to local government will not only save taxpayers money in the long run, but also address and tackle the effects of climate change.”

Senate Bill 3597 would allow units of local government to apply and obtain a loan from the Illinois Finance Authority Climate Bank to build, purchase, remodel or improve clean energy infrastructure.

Currently, units of local government borrow from the bond market, but by borrowing from the Climate Bank, they will receive a lower interest rate, saving all taxpayers money.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to further protect residents from persistent and toxic pollutants, State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced a measure to regulate the sale of certain fluorescent lamps.

“These types of fluorescent lamps contain mercury and pose a threat to not only the health of people but also the environment,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “In order to effectively reduce mercury pollution, we must remove products that contain traces of it from our disposal sites.”

House Bill 2363 would ban selling newly manufactured screw-base, bayonet-base and pin-base compact fluorescent lamps and linear fluorescent lamps. Exemptions would apply for certain fluorescent lamps used for medical diagnostics, academic research, photocopying and printing, and in vehicle headlights.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with a valid driver’s license or ID may soon be able to request a mobile version of identification from the Secretary of State, thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Embracing digital solutions is crucial for making state services more accessible and efficient,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By allowing residents to carry a digital version of their driver’s license or ID card on their phone, we are streamlining daily activities that require identification, such as traffic stops and age verification.”

A key feature of Hasting’s measure is the requirement that mobile driver’s license and ID’s use an electronic credential system – such as a barcode system – to certify there is no requirement for individuals to surrender possession of their mobile device to the requesting party. This ensures that residents maintain control and privacy over their mobile devices at all times.

SPRINGFIELD – To promote healthy body image, State Senator Karina Villa passed a measure out of the Senate Thursday to facilitate practices for affordable access to laser hair removal treatment.

“Sense of worth and self-esteem may be correlated to a person’s appearance,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Many individuals living with hormone imbalances or skin conditions that cause unwanted hair growth may find appreciation for their bodies through laser hair removal."

House Bill 4357 would allow trained professionals, including registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, to perform a non-ablative laser hair removal procedure as long as a physician delegated it and supervision protocol is in place.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the National Guard and Reserve who are college or university students could soon be able to make up coursework they missed due to military obligations, thanks to a measure State Senator Mike Porfirio advanced out of the Senate on Wednesday.

“Supporting our National Guard and Reserve members means recognizing their sacrifice and commitment to both our nation’s security and their educational goals,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Ensuring access to an equitable educational experience for those who serve is not just a benefit; it’s a moral imperative that strengthens our armed forces and communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III passed an initiative to expand opportunities for student-athletes to receive compensation in Illinois.

“Student athletes not only balance their team responsibilities but also keep up with the school coursework to stay up to date with their academic studies,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “It is important that we support student athletes by eliminating barriers for them receiving fair compensation for their endless hours of practices, events and games.”

Harris’s House Bill 307 would expand the methods of compensation by eliminating limitations on how name, image and likeness – also known as known as “NIL” – are paid, along with what consideration is allowed on the part of the student-athlete themselves.

SPRINGFIELD—As disparities in maternal mortality rates continue to alarm health care professionals and soon-to-be mothers across the state, State Senator Lakesia Collins passed a measure to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

“Why should mothers have to make the decision between paying their rent, mortgage or car loan, and making sure they and their baby are healthy?” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Women should not have their health decisions limited by whether or not they can afford care. This initiative will impact many women in the state by eliminating the cost-sharing requirements for this care, and end up saving lives.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Omar Aquino led a measure through the Senate that calls on Illinois’ labor oversight boards to work together to streamline the resolution process at worksites involved in unfair labor complaint proceedings.

“Workers should not have to wait in limbo to find out the future of their livelihood,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Streamlining this process will give employees the answers they deserve so they don’t have to wait months for a resolution.”

The Illinois Labor Relations Act lays out the rights public sector employees are entitled to in Illinois, including the right to form, join or assist a labor organization without fear of penalty, discrimination or retaliation. When a public employer or labor organization interferes with the exercise of rights provided under the ILRA, the employee, union or employer can file unfair labor practice charges with the labor board overseeing their sector. In recent years, labor unions representing public sector workers have seen wait times as long as 400 days on their unfair labor practice claims.