CHICAGO – Illinois bars and restaurants will have more options and more time to utilize the state’s “cocktails-to-go” program under a new law sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

“Many business owners in the hospitality industry were worried about recovering from COVID-19-related losses to their business,” Feigenholtz said. “We passed cocktails-to-go last year as a response to the pandemic, and it was a lifeline to restaurants. Expanding this further to give struggling bars and restaurants more options for cash management is crucial.”

SPRINGFIELD – On Saturday, the Illinois Senate approved State Senator Sara Feigenholtz’s measure that would restrict the use of restraints on children in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services during transfers.

“Children at DCFS are our state’s most vulnerable population,” said Feigenholtz. “They have had enough trauma.  We need to ensure shackling them will never happen.”

Over the past few years, there have been several reported instances of shackles and other hard restraints being used during the transport of youth under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services. Feigenholtz’s measure ensures that DCFS treat youth in their care with dignity at all times, which would effectively ban the use of restraints during transportation.

Measure also includes month-long vaccination incentive

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) expanding the state’s “cocktails-to-go” program was approved by the Senate Sunday and will head to the governor.

“The hospitality industry was hit the hardest by the pandemic,” Feigenholtz said. “Our favorite local bars and restaurants are the cornerstones of our communities. Sadly, we have lost many that were unable to survive the shutdown. This legislation will help restaurants and bars survive the pandemic by continuing cocktails-to-go delivery along with the other cash management methods.”

Senate Bill 104 extends the sunset on cocktails-to-go until Jan. 3, 2024, allows single servings of wine to be available for delivery, and allows for products filled, labeled and sealed by the manufacturer to be included. It also provides businesses with options for cash flow management during lean times by allowing retailers to pay their distributors for wine and spirits with a credit card.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is celebrating passage of a landmark affordable housing package meant to address one of Illinois’ biggest challenges. The measure, which Feigenholtz help move through the Senate, was sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

“Illinois has a severe shortage of affordable housing, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the number of people facing housing insecurity,” Feigenholtz said. “As of 2019, Illinois was short nearly 108,000 rental homes individuals earning 60% of their local area median income could afford. In Chicago, this is about $56,000 for a family of four. By offering tax incentives, we will be able to keep families together, in their homes and in their communities.”

House Bill 2621 has several provisions aimed at securing affordable housing statewide. One aspect of the legislation stems from legislation Feigenholtz sponsored earlier in the year that would provide an incentive to landlords by reducing the assessed value of properties where 15% to 35% of units offer rent at or below market value for 10 years.