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Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Belt law helps tackle increasing number of food deserts
Belt law helps tackle increasing number of food deserts
Lakesia Collins sworn in as new state senator for the 5th District
Lakesia Collins sworn in as new state senator for the 5th District
Harmon applauds Illinois Supreme Court ruling upholding state assault weapons ban
Harmon applauds Illinois Supreme Court ruling upholding state assault weapons ban

Villa measure to compensate employees for wage theft signed into law

Details
Friday, July 09, 2021 03:52 PM

kitchen

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to deter wage theft, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) sponsored a new law that increases the amount employers who underpay their employees must pay in damages.

“It is unacceptable for an employer to withhold hardworking employees’ wages,” Villa said. “Working families across Illinois deserve to be justly compensated and should receive increased damages for cases of wage theft.” 

Currently, employees who do not receive wages in a timely manner are entitled to file a claim to recover their unpaid wages, plus damages totaling 2% of the amount of monthly underpayments. Villa’s legislation will increase the percentage paid in damages from 2% to 5% to more effectively deter wage theft by employers.

Read more: Villa measure to compensate employees for wage theft signed into law

Universities to remove standardized test requirement for acceptance under new law

Details
Friday, July 09, 2021 03:45 PM

testing

SPRINGFIELD – Students can choose whether or not to submit their ACT and SAT scores when applying to Illinois colleges and universities, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that was signed into law Friday.

“Standardized tests are not what universities need to rely on when accepting students,” Belt said. “This necessary transition away from test scores will benefit those students who have the capability to be accepted into Illinois’ universities, but may struggle with test anxieties.”

The new law, led by Belt and House Sponsor LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis), creates the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, which would prohibit Illinois’ public universities from relying solely on a student’s ACT or SAT score to make an admissions decision.

Read more: Universities to remove standardized test requirement for acceptance under new law

Routine dental care could come to schools under Morrison law

Details
Friday, July 09, 2021 03:35 PM

dentist

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to allow preventative dental services within schools was signed into law Friday.

“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”

Under the law, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.

Read more: Routine dental care could come to schools under Morrison law

Castro’s Housing is Recovery Pilot Program signed into law

Details
Friday, July 09, 2021 03:31 PM

Sen. Cristina Castro

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) spearheaded a new law to create a program that will help people with serious mental illness or substance use disorders by enabling access to affordable housing and support services.

“Supporting those struggling the most in our communities is a top priority,” Castro said. “Taking a ‘Housing First’ approach to mental illness and addiction treatment will ensure that those most vulnerable are treated with dignity and compassion.”

Often, people with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder lack affordable housing, causing increased institutionalization, incarceration or risk of death from an overdose. This law creates the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program to help prevent people with a serious mental illness or people who are at high risk of overdose due to lack of support services from being institutionalized or dying.

Read more: Castro’s Housing is Recovery Pilot Program signed into law

  1. Murphy: New law allows student athletes to be their authentic selves on and off the field
  2. Governor signs “Hayli’s Law” spearheaded by Senator Joyce
  3. Loughran Cappel, Connor partner to host virtual workshops for local job seekers
  4. Labor Chair Holmes sees new $9 million investment, outlook upgrades as signs the state budget is on the right track

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Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics
Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics
KANKAKEE – A measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce earlier this year created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, and recently, Senate President Don...

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Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
CHICAGO – Illinois will officially become the first state in the United States to end the use of cash bail on Monday, thanks to collaboration between Senator Peters, crime victim...

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The Majority Report 09/11/23 - Strengthening the EV supply chain
The Majority Report 09/11/23 - Strengthening the EV supply chain
Senate Democrats celebrate $2 billion EV battery manufacturing plant coming to Kankakee County MANTENO — Senate Democrats joined company leaders and local and state officials Friday to announce Gotion’s historic decision...

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Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
DECATUR – As strong advocates of Illinois’ agriculture industry, State Senators Paul Faraci and Doris Turner joined state officials and agriculture leaders at the 2023 Farm Progress Show to support...

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Gillespie selected for prestigious Milbank Fellows Program
Gillespie selected for prestigious Milbank Fellows Program
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie has been chosen to join the 2023-24 cohort of the Milbank Fellows Program, a 10-month leadership program focused on public policy to improve...

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The Majority Report 08/28/23 - Combating carjackings, supporting women in trades and more
The Majority Report 08/28/23 - Combating carjackings, supporting women in trades and more
Belt secures funding to tackle carjackings in Metro East EAST ST. LOUIS — State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure a $2.4 million grant for the Metro East Auto Task Force —...

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phone309 State House
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Senate President Don Harmon © 2023 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
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