Senator Mike Porfirio introduces measure to expand Illinois Veterans Grant Program

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mike Porfirio has introduced Senate Bill 2422, aimed at increasing the eligibility requirements for the Illinois Veterans Grant Program.

The proposed legislation would revise the eligibility requirements for the grant program, allowing for a wider range of individuals to access it and receive educational assistance.  

"Illinois has a long and proud history of supporting our veterans and military personnel," said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “As a veteran myself, I am proud to be a voice for other veterans in our state.”

The expanded eligibility will incentivize those who left Illinois to serve their country to return to their home state while adding eligibility to those who come to Illinois to serve to stay here.

Read more: Senator Mike Porfirio introduces measure to expand Illinois Veterans Grant Program

Senator Halpin advances measure to combat human trafficking

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure through the Senate State Government Committee which will require lodging establishments in Illinois to provide Human Trafficking Recognition Training (HTRT) to their employees in order to receive state and local funds.

"Human trafficking is a terrible crime that destroys lives and tears apart families," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "We have a responsibility to do everything we can to combat this heinous practice and ensure that our state is a safe and welcoming place for all people.”

The legislation aims to combat human trafficking in Illinois by ensuring that employees of lodging establishments are trained to recognize and report signs of human trafficking. By making HTRT a requirement for lodging establishments to receive state and local funds, the bill will create a strong incentive for businesses to invest in training their employees and help prevent human trafficking from occurring in Illinois.

Read more: Senator Halpin advances measure to combat human trafficking

Ellman: Safeguarding drivers on Illinois roads is the ultimate goal

New legislation creates mobile app warning of road conditions

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman that would require the Department of Transportation to develop a mobile application to provide motorists with updates on road conditions passed committee Tuesday.

“Drivers rely on information on road conditions to make it to their destinations safely,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The Illinois Department of Transportation has valuable information that can help keep Illinois drivers safe.”

Senate Bill 1526 stipulates the mobile application must include updates on accidents, construction zones, lane closures and delays, weather conditions, and other various road conditions throughout Illinois. The measure is similar to an initiative of the Indiana Department of Transportation, who have already implemented a mobile application.

Read more: Ellman: Safeguarding drivers on Illinois roads is the ultimate goal

Cervantes legislation supports STEM students and their growing careers in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing to support our growing workforce in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is building support for new legislation creating the Graduate and Retain Our Workforce Illinois Program that will assist students in STEM fields here in Illinois.

“How we support our students affects how the workforce of the future will find good paying jobs. Illinois is here to support students through their educational journey and ensure they reach their destination,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “These growing tech fields are in dire need of employees and we are creating a pipeline for students to grow their life here in Illinois.”

The new legislation, Senate Bill 1453, will create the Graduate and Retain Our Workforce Illinois Program, otherwise known as the GROW Illinois Program, is intended to allow public institutions of higher education to award forgivable loans to individuals with qualifying degrees and jobs that are in high demand.

Read more: Cervantes legislation supports STEM students and their growing careers in Illinois