SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters’ legislation to expand assistance under the Crime Victims Compensation Program was signed into law on Friday.
“Exposure to traumatic events can have lasting impacts on an individual’s well-being,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It is important for our laws to acknowledge all those who should be considered under this program and to take into account the diverse range of experiences and challenges someone may face.”
The losses suffered by victims of crime are diverse and can extend beyond the immediate incident, resulting in financial losses, disruptions to daily routines and employment, and other long-term physical and emotional consequences affecting an individual’s quality of life.
Read more: Peters’ law improves Crime Victims Compensation Program
CHICAGO - Third in a series of subject matter hearings, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing Friday on the state of public transit and how it supports community quality of life.
“Public transit transforms the lives of our communities, neighbors and families by connecting them to essential resources – giving us a higher quality of life,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By having these conversations, we are able to identify and see how transit supports various areas of our lives, and what work can be done to build upon this support.”
As transit agencies are now seeing a steady increase of rider share after its decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to continue the work of improving the reliability, safety, and accessibility of the system has become a priority.
SPRINGFIELD – A new law from State Senator Adriane Johnson will ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.
“Everyone deserves adequate shelter and transportation. Here, we are able to ensure students basic needs are met,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Helping students and parents in this way promotes mental and emotional well-being, and in turn, academic success.”
The law expands the uses for funds received by school districts from the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program. School districts will be permitted to use grant funding for rental assistance, transportation, emergency shelter assistance, case management services, and other housing strategies. The Illinois State Board of Education reported 58,498 students experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year.
Read more: Johnson law to ensure housing resources for students
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings has paved the way for Illinois families to have greater access to medically-prescribed infertility treatments.
“Without in vitro fertilization, I wouldn’t be the proud father I am today,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I have felt the all-too-common stress and heartbreak of infertility. It’s past time to take bureaucracy out of health care.”
Found within Senate Bill 773, Hastings championed a plan to ensure insurance companies provide coverage for infertility treatments that are recommended by a physician without requiring them to complete treatments that were deemed ineffective by their doctor.
Read more: Insurance to cover medically-recommended IVF thanks to Hastings
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