Castro: We need to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act now
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SPRINGFIELD – Environmental advocates rallied in Springfield Wednesday in support of the Clean Energy Jobs Act. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who is the Senate sponsor of the bill, spoke before the crowd which had gathered in the Capitol Rotunda.
“We need to pass CEJA now,” Castro said. “This is a pivotal moment for Illinois when it comes to energy policy. I know from looking around the Capitol today that we have the power necessary to get this bill passed and onto the Governor’s desk.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act will be Senate Bill 3744. Due to the complex nature of the bill and the large number of interested parties, official language has not yet been filed.
Read more: Castro: We need to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act now
Martwick introduces policy to support first responder mental health data
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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is taking steps to facilitate and assist the mental health needs of emergency first responders under legislation sponsored by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago).
Martwick introduced Senate Bill 3333 which requires the Department of Human Services to create and maintain an online database and resource page of mental resources geared toward first responders on its website.
“First responders face many dangers every day,” Martwick said. “It is our responsibility as lawmakers to make sure they get the help the need to perform to the best of their ability and we should be prepared every step of the way.”
Read more: Martwick introduces policy to support first responder mental health data
Van Pelt works to expand rights for incarcerated women who are pregnant
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SPRINGFIELD – Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) introduced legislation that would allow incarcerated mothers to remain with their child for 72 hours after giving birth, unless a medical professional determines otherwise.
“It’s crucial for a baby to spend its first moments with its mother, and we want to ensure that,” Van Pelt said. “This way the baby gets the care it needs, while the mother is inspired to stay on her best behavior in the hopes she may return to her child.”
The bill would also provide the mother with hygiene products and diapers for her infant. Even before the baby is born, Van Pelt wants to guarantee that incarcerated mothers are cared for by requiring corrections officials to incorporate health care training and education for their specific needs.
Read more: Van Pelt works to expand rights for incarcerated women who are pregnant
Hastings unveils plan to expand sick leave for airline employees
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) partnered with Southwest Airlines employees to hold a press conference advocating for the expansion of sick leave for airline employees Wednesday.
“The fact that hardworking individuals are unable to use their earned sick time to care for their loved ones is unacceptable,” Hastings said. “Since this is an issue with federal law, we’re doing what we can at the state level to demonstrate that in Illinois, we put workers and their families first.”
Hastings was joined by Corliss King, a flight attendant for Southwest, who was affected by this in 2017 after her husband was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. He was hospitalized several times and received various surgeries that left him in need of care at home. Corliss was able to use her own accrued sick time to help care for her husband and children until 2017, when a law was passed that removed coverage for airline employees.
Read more: Hastings unveils plan to expand sick leave for airline employees
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