SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize marriage certificates, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) has passed legislation through the Illinois Senate allowing marriage licenses to use non-gendered language.

“Gendered language on marriage certificates is an outdated requirement,” said Feigenholtz. “Forcing someone to choose between binary terms like bride and groom may not be relevant for all couples. This new practice will reflect the full flexibility of marriage under the law.”

Senate Bill 139 allows married couples to request a new marriage certificate from the county clerk free of any gender identifying language. This includes changing terms like “bride” and “groom” to gender-neutral alternatives such as “spouse.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) issued the following statement following the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo:

“There are no words to describe witnessing a child die by violence. My heart breaks for the family of Adam Toledo and the Little Village community.

“The compounded trauma, with a years-long pandemic and unending violence, paralyzes any parent with fear, looking at their own child and thinking, ’this could have been my child.’ Adam Toledo is our child, and our system has failed him.

“Police officers need more training on how to avoid the use of deadly force while protecting innocent members of the public. The Toledo family and our communities deserve a transparent and thorough investigation of all involved.

“The family requests calm and respectful gatherings during this time of mourning. We must look at this tragic event and enact change now.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz’s (D-Chicago) plan to allow third parties to deliver spirits and wine from package stores to adult consumers was signed into law Friday.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, more consumers than ever are taking advantage of grocery delivery options because they want to enjoy their favorite products – including spirits – from the safety of home,” Feigenholtz said. “This new law streamlines the delivery process for consumers and sets clear accountability standards for vendors meeting this demand.”

Feigenholtz sponsored Senate Bill 54 so that a person living outside of Chicago can order groceries – including alcohol – for home delivery from a store in Chicago without having to worry whether or not both local governments permit the delivery.

This new law allows retailers to utilize the services of a third-party facilitator by means of the internet or a mobile app to facilitate the sale of alcohol. Third-party facilitators are required to be licensed and must comply with recordkeeping requirements.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community. This law will make it easier for suburban residents to patronize our local shops and businesses safely,” Feigenholtz said.

The governor signed the measure into law Friday, and it takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is undertaking an effort to provide affordable housing solutions around Chicago and across the state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified an already-existing statewide housing crisis,” Feigenholtz said. “Providing landlords with incentives to offer tenants more affordable rent is a step toward addressing one of the most pressing problems we are facing in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 330 provides the opportunity for rehabilitated or newly constructed rental property to receive a reduction in its assessed value in order to help lower property taxes. To qualify, a property owner must make a commitment that at least 15% of units will be offered at or below maximum rents and occupied by families at or below maximum income limits for a period of 10 years. The amount of reduction in assessed value will depend on the percentage of units offering low rents.

The Feigenholtz measure has a wide variety of supporters, including the City of Chicago, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, Housing Action Illinois, Preservation Compact, the Corporation for Supportive Housing and the Resurrection Project. Last week, several Chicago Alderpersons sent a jointly-authored letter to Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) urging quick passage of the legislation, which would allow them to advance their affordable housing agenda in the city council.

“The Chicago City Council is waiting for the General Assembly to act on this measure, which will enable them to offer incentives and create and preserve affordable housing,” Feigenholtz said. “This measure will give real estate developers and landlords another tool in their repertoire to provide lower rents to the people in our city and across our state who need it the most.”

Feigenholtz first began working on this issue in 2018 while still a member of the House of Representatives. It passed through the Senate Revenue Committee with unanimous support on Wednesday and will be sent to the full Senate for further consideration.