Black Caucus: Justice for Sonya Massey

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the body camera footage which led to the indictment of the ex-deputy who shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home:

“This video is sickening. It is despicable and disgusting to see such brutal violence toward an innocent Black woman. How did this person ever become a law enforcement officer?

“This is why we fought for increased transparency.

“This is why we fought for body camera requirements.

“This is why we fought to end cash bail to keep dangerous people detained.

“But arresting and detaining the perpetrator isn’t the end. Justice demands answers and accountability. We need to know how and why someone capable of such a horrible act was given a badge and a gun in the first place.

“The repeated murders of unarmed Black people across the country is sickening and emotionally traumatizing. Sonya Massey is dead because she called 911 for help. Our communities deserve better. We stand with the Springfield community and the Massey family.

“May Sonya Massey’s memory be a blessing and bring comfort to those who knew her.”

Turner responds to release of body camera footage in the death of Sonya Massey

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement in response to the body camera footage being released in the shooting of Sonya Massey:

“Nothing could prepare our community to see such a blatant disregard for human life. Sonya deserved so much more.

“We need to come together to seek justice and do all we can to prevent another Black man or woman from being unjustly killed.

“I stand with the Massey family in their calls for justice and peace.”

Holmes’ new law requires equitable mental health care coverage for healing after miscarriage or stillbirth

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ legislation to require insurers to cover care for mental and emotional recovery for those suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth has been signed into law today.

“Those who have faced the loss of an infant can cope with the trauma for the rest of their lives; it is often an overpowering shock,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This pain can trigger anxiety, stress and depression, and may lead to substance abuse.”

Read more: Holmes’ new law requires equitable mental health care coverage for healing after miscarriage or...

Special education students get needed services under Ventura backed law

SPRINGFIELD – School districts will now be required to provide resources and services for special education students who do not have a guardian under a new law backed by State Senator Rachel Ventura.

“This law was crafted to advocate for special high needs education students who do not have a guardian to petition schools to provide resources for them,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Everybody deserves an education that provides them the resources they need to succeed. We cannot in good conscience leave these students to fend for themselves if they need a specialized school to meet their needs so they can succeed.”

Read more: Special education students get needed services under Ventura backed law