SPRINGFIELD – With growing demands for mental health providers to support patients struggling with substance use, State Senator Laura Fine is encouraging people to become recovery support specialists through a new initiative expanding the behavioral health workforce student loan forgiveness program.

“If we want people struggling with alcohol and substance abuse to receive the help they need to recover, we need to invest in the people working to become recovery support specialists,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Thanks to this law, professionals will be able to get assistance for debts they took on while studying to become counselors, providing them financial relief and encouragement to enter this vital field.”  

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s measure bringing Illinois in line with national standards regarding environmental covenants is now law.

“Our environment directly affects our health,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It is my hope that together, we can improve our environment for a safer community.”

Johnson’s legislation will protect the health of the community and the environment by expanding the state’s ability to establish land use restrictions. These tools are necessary to protect resident’s health and the environment against inadvertent exposures to residual contamination while encouraging economic redevelopment by upholding an environmental standard.

“I’m proud to support Illinois in environmentally conscious efforts,” said Johnson.

House Bill 2278 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison led a new law to eliminate harmful plastics in drinking water.

“While the prevalence of microplastics is well known, the potential environmental and human health effects are not yet fully understood,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “With increasing levels of plastic being found in our waterways, it is of even greater importance to reduce consumption of plastics whenever possible.”

Morrison’s law requires the Illinois EPA to create a public website with information regarding microplastics and submit a report to the General Assembly and governor regarding microplastics, including what other states are doing to address their prevalence.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mary Edly-Allen’s measure requiring training related to Alzheimer’s and dementia for publically appointed guardians was signed into law, taking an essential step toward ensuring guardians have the necessary tools to provide compassionate care.

“The emotional toll of Alzheimer’s and dementia cannot be overstated as these diseases not only rob individuals of their memories and cognitive function, but also take away their independence,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Equipping caregivers with the knowledge they need will promote a safe and supportive environment for those receiving care.”

Senate Bill 216 will require public guardians to undergo at least one hour of training on how to recognize, care for and interact with patients who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. The training must be completed within six months of the guardian’s appointment and renewed annually.

Senate Democrats applaud signing of responsible, balanced budget

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to steadfast, responsible leadership from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, the governor signed the state’s fifth balanced budget in a row into law last week.

“Passing this budget was an exercise in trust, working together to prioritize paying down debt, shoring up our rainy day fund and ensuring a durable, balanced budget,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his commitment to responsible budgeting. I also want to thank Speaker Welch for his partnership and the incredible Senate budget negotiators for their hard work. The future looks bright for Illinois.”

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Villivalam leads legislation for kosher and halal food options in state schools and facilities

SPRINGFIELD – To provide more food options for all faiths in Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed legislation that would provide kosher and halal food options in public schools and state facilities.

“We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs. With this legislation I hope to expand the available options for all residents in Illinois.”

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Simmons secures passage of bill to allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote

SPRINGFIELD – To increase young voter engagement, State Senator Mike Simmons secured passage of an elections bill that will allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote so they may start voting as soon as they turn 18.

“The young have always played a key part in democracy,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The younger generations show again and again how engaged they are in social issues — allowing them to pre-register sends a message to youth that their voices are important and allows them to take that activism to the polls.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – With bipartisan support and in tandem with the Illinois State Police, State Senator Julie Morrison led a measure to modernize the department, ultimately leading to ISP having greater resources to keep our communities safe.

“Modernization will help Illinois’ strategic planning when it comes to investigating cybercrime and domestic terrorist incidents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Giving police the tools they need to best support our communities is a top priority of mine.”

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa, music venues will be equipped with overdose-reversing medications.

“The summer months bring a lot of concerts with them, and I want to make sure those in attendance are safe from one bad decision or mistake costing them their lives,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This law will save lives by expanding first aid in concert halls, training staff to treat overdose and ensuring the proper tools are on site.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law that will prohibit law enforcement from pulling a driver over for having an object hanging from their rearview mirror.  

“The number of traffic stops that have occurred just because of a small personal item hanging on their rearview mirror has been excessive,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It’s time we eliminate this reasoning for being pulled over, as it has disproportionately affected specific communities.”

Previously, drivers could be pulled over for any objects hanging from the rearview mirror of their car such as decorations, disability placards, rosaries and car fresheners. House Bill 2389 clarifies that vehicles cannot be stopped or searched by a law enforcement officer solely on the basis of this violation.