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Senator Fine initiative to expand eligibility on mental health student loan repayment program becomes law

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Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 12:25 PM
  • Fine
  • SB57
  • Mental Health Crisis
  • Mental Health Student Loan Forgiveness

fine 061223SPRINGFIELD – 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.”  

Read more: Senator Fine initiative to expand eligibility on mental health student loan repayment program...

Johnson champions new law ensuring environmental safety

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Category: Senator Adriane Johnson News
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 12:17 PM
  • Environment
  • Johnson
  • HB2278

johnson 061223SPRINGFIELD – 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.

Morrison works to eliminate microplastics in water

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Category: Senator Julie A. Morrison News
Monday, June 12, 2023 04:21 PM
  • Morrison
  • Drinking Water
  • Microplastics
  • SB1563

morrison microplastics 061223SPRINGFIELD – 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.

Read more: Morrison works to eliminate microplastics in water

Edly-Allen measure requiring basic Alzheimer’s training for guardians signed into law

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Category: Senator Mary Edly-Allen News
Monday, June 12, 2023 03:54 PM
  • Alzheimers and Dementia Training
  • Edly-Allen
  • SB216

edlyallen 061223SPRINGFIELD — 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.

Read more: Edly-Allen measure requiring basic Alzheimer’s training for guardians signed into law

The Majority Report 06/12/23 - Senate Democrats applaud signing of responsible, balanced budget

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Category: Majority Report
Monday, June 12, 2023 02:22 PM
  • Majority Report
  • Villivalam
  • Harmon
  • Simmons
  • FY2024 Budget
  • Young Voters
  • Food Options

Budget signing

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.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Ram Villivalam

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.”

Read more.

 

Young votersSimmons 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.

 

members in the news

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

State Senator Mattie Hunter, Chicago: We Walk for Her march demands justice for missing and murdered Black women | Hyde Park Herald

Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Chicago: New bill giving more worker protections to freelancers heads to Pritzker’s desk | WCIA

Senator Rachel Ventura, Joliet: Illinois wants to make sure you never get another 'final notice' letter | MyStateLine

 

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Morrison works with Illinois State Police to modernize agency

Details
Category: Senator Julie A. Morrison News
Friday, June 09, 2023 03:00 PM
  • Morrison
  • Illinois State Police
  • HB2412
  • Modernization

State Senator Julie MorrisonSPRINGFIELD – 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.”

Read more: Morrison works with Illinois State Police to modernize agency

Villa’s new law will protect concertgoers from overdose

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Category: Senator Karina Villa News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:50 PM
  • Villa
  • Naloxone
  • Opioid Overdose
  • HB1557
  • Music Venues

villa 060923SPRINGFIELD – 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.”

Read more: Villa’s new law will protect concertgoers from overdose

Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops signed by governor

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:36 PM
  • Belt
  • Law Enforcement
  • HB 2389
  • Rearview Mirror

belt airfresh 060923

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.

Read more: Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops signed by governor

More Articles ...

  1. New Hunter law prevents utility shutoffs in extreme heat
  2. Koehler creates task force to highlight Underground Railroad history in Illinois
  3. IDOC to digitize their records thanks to Ventura measure
  4. Governor signs Holmes’ bill to end insurance discrimination based on dog breeds

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Senate President Don Harmon © 2023 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
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