Suicide prevention awareness and education could be expanded under Belt’s measure

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to increase access to life-saving mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state.

“This measure takes crucial steps to ensure help is always within reach for those in crisis,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will give residents additional resources they may need to stay safe and feel supported.”

Belt’s measure would require numerous public buildings across Illinois to visibly post contact information for the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, ensuring residents know immediate help is available. The legislation would also expand comprehensive health education for students in grades 6 through 12 by integrating evidence-based suicide prevention curriculum, as well as strengthen reentry support by requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide suicide prevention resources to individuals preparing for release.

Read more: Suicide prevention awareness and education could be expanded under Belt’s measure

Cunningham measure formalizes mobile IDs while protecting personal devices

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced legislation which will formalize the use of mobile identification while strengthening protections for residents’ personal devices.

“As more residents use digital IDs, our laws need to reflect that reality,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This measure modernizes our statutes while making sure individuals’ rights and personal devices remain protected.”

Read more: Cunningham measure formalizes mobile IDs while protecting personal devices

Loughran Cappel measure to let paraprofessionals with short-term approval licenses become fully licensed

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is spearheading a measure that would allow paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license to become fully licensed once their short-term license expires.

“Paraprofessionals are an important part of our education system,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “They provide crucial support for instructional, behavioral and personal care for students under the guidance of teachers and administrators.”

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Porfirio continues support for veteran suicide prevention through extending advisory council

SPRINGFIELD — To address the increase in suicide rates among veterans in the United States, State Senator Mike Porfirio has advanced legislation to extend the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

“We must be consistent in our effort to support suicide prevention efforts for veterans,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This crisis will not solve itself; I will continue to urgently support new treatment solutions for our dedicated service members.”

Read more: Porfirio continues support for veteran suicide prevention through extending advisory council