New Ellman measure aims to expand rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention

SPRINGFIELD – Studies find that work release programs can play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, there is a lack of rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention, leading State Senator Laura Ellman to advance Senate Bill 3333.

“Rehabilitation programs are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “If someone takes the initiative to improve their life by participating in programs that build skills and strengthen families, that effort should be recognized no matter where they are being held.”

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Hunter, Simmons call for stronger SNAP fraud prevention efforts

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter and State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday to advocate for increased safeguards for SNAP benefits.

“By changing from a swipe to a tap, we are ensuring fraudulent transactions from skimmers are less likely to happen and that benefits are protected,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This is one action that can lead to big savings and less fraud in Illinois social services.”

At the press conference, Hunter and Simmons outlined Senate Bill 3266, which would require the Illinois Department of Human Services to implement the use of chip-enabled cards for electronic benefit systems. In 2024, over 89,000 fraudulent transactions involving SNAP benefits were reported to IDHS. By making this change, the measure would allow SNAP participants using EBT cards to use chip readers in their transactions.

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Faraci advances measure to expand financial freedom for individuals with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure that would modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

“This program allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money in tax-advantaged accounts to pay for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We have obligations to empower residents with disabilities, to commit ourselves to inclusion and to support those most in need, and improving how we advertise this service would help us fulfill those obligations.”

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Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums

 SPRINGFIELD – With nearly one in 10 Americans lacking health insurance coverage according to the U.S. Census Bureau, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation to ensure Illinois residents are not locked out of coverage due to past-due premium payments.

“Health care coverage shouldn’t be out of reach for someone simply because they’ve fallen behind on a previous payment,” said Ellman. “This legislation is about protecting access to care and making sure families can get insured when they need it most.”

Read more: Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums