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Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
Edly-Allen, Morrison champion measures to combat online harassment
Edly-Allen, Morrison champion measures to combat online harassment
Bipartisan group of Senators outline critical response plan for schools, law enforcement
Bipartisan group of Senators outline critical response plan for schools, law enforcement
Edly-Allen passes measure to crack down on harmful “deepfakes”
Edly-Allen passes measure to crack down on harmful “deepfakes”
Senate Democrats honor fallen firefighters at Springfield ceremony
Senate Democrats honor fallen firefighters at Springfield ceremony

Morrison measure to ban e-cigarettes indoors heads to the governor

Details
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 01:57 PM

vaping

SPRINGFIELD – Taking another step toward making Illinois smoke free, State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to ban vaping inside public buildings.

“There’s absolutely no reason a person – from a pregnant woman to a young child – should be exposed to harmful e-cigarette products while in public,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s about time we set a clear standard that protects non-smokers and further de-normalizes tobacco use.”

In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes – like vapes – has increased tremendously, leading Morrison to pass House Bill 1540 to ban the use of e-cigarettes indoors. Her measure – which now heads to the governor – expands upon the Smoke Free Illinois Act, putting Illinois in line with 17 other states that have banned the use of e-cigarettes indoors.

Read more: Morrison measure to ban e-cigarettes indoors heads to the governor

Peters creates Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act

Details
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 01:45 PM

Sen. Robert Peters

SPRINGFIELD – To increase the baseline financial penalty for civil rights violations, State Senator Robert Peters championed a measure to create the Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act.

“Business enterprises receiving federal funds should not be immune to the consequences of discriminating against people,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Protecting businesses from punishment when they knowingly commit discriminatory acts goes against Illinois values.”

House Bill 2248 was created in response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. that ruled emotional distress damages are not recoverable in a private action under the anti-discrimination provisions of either the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Read more: Peters creates Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act

Hunter advances bill to track SNAP benefit fraud in Illinois

Details
Tuesday, May 09, 2023 05:36 PM

050923CM0306 Hunter

 

SPRINGFIELD — To gain an understanding of the scope and frequency of SNAP benefit fraud in Illinois, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a bill through committee granting the Illinois Department of Human Services the authority to collect data on these stolen benefits within the state.

"The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of SNAP benefits in ensuring that families have access to the food they need,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “However, fraud threatens the integrity of this critical program.”

House Bill 2214 allows IDHS to track how often benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are stolen from their rightful recipients. SNAP participants receive monthly benefits for groceries deposited onto EBT cards, and in recent months, card skimming has increased significantly in many states. IDHS began collecting data on card skimming and other fraud methods in December 2022, making it unclear how much theft had previously occurred. Under this measure, IDHS will be required to report its findings to the General Assembly annually beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.

Read more: Hunter advances bill to track SNAP benefit fraud in Illinois

Senators fight to provide state IDs for inmates before release

Details
Tuesday, May 09, 2023 01:23 PM

preston IDs 050923SPRINGFIELD – Each year, thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals struggle to get back on their feet, facing issues to obtain housing, work, medical care and more. A leading factor: a lack of an ID.

State Senator Willie Preston is leading the charge to create a smoother transition back into society by providing them with a form of identification that is necessary for many everyday activities.

"Without a State ID, individuals who are released from jail face significant barriers when trying to secure housing, employment, or even something as basic as opening a bank account,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “By providing them with IDs prior to release, we are giving them a better chance to contribute to society and rebuild their lives."

Read more: Senators fight to provide state IDs for inmates before release

  1. State legislators and fire officials call for inclusion of tax credit for volunteer firefighters following I-55 dust storm
  2. Holmes’ legislation to end predatory contract loans for cats and dogs passes in State Senate
  3. Koehler measure would allow prorated debt for education students
  4. Castro passes measure to ensure a living wage for employees working on solar projects

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Hastings works to increase college affordability
Hastings works to increase college affordability
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings fought for a significant milestone in the expansion of the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program. “This monumental legislation makes greater investments in our children,”...

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Lightford on FY 24 Budget: This is a positive investment for our children
Lightford on FY 24 Budget: This is a positive investment for our children
SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) declared the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget a positive investment for our state’s children – prioritizing education, youth employment and mental...

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Preston: New Budget offers more equitable, advantageous opportunities across Illinois
Preston: New Budget offers more equitable, advantageous opportunities across Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – During his first year in office, State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) was proud to support a budget that prioritizes education from birth to college, enhances workforce development, and...

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Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities
Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio helped spearhead a measure through the Senate making significant strides to expand the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program. “Making the AIM HIGH program permanent will...

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Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the success of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget Thursday, continuing the state on a path...

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Morrison leads measure to allow law enforcement to use drones to detect public safety issues
Morrison leads measure to allow law enforcement to use drones to detect public safety issues
SPRINGFIELD – Less than a year after State Senator Julie Morrison and her family ran for their lives as a man opened fire from a rooftop in Highland Park, she...

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