Peters commemorates historic milestone with first-ever Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters joined forces with labor unions on Thursday to celebrate a groundbreaking moment in the state’s capital— the first-ever Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield event.

"It’s often forgotten that our country has a long history of women in trades, particularly as it relates to the labor movement during World War II," said Peters (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Labor Committee. "Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield honors that history and connects it to the labor movement today. Women have made invaluable contributions to the labor movement, building a workforce where every individual – regardless of gender, race or background – has the opportunity to pursue a career in trades."

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Senate passes Glowiak Hilton bill to extend nurse practice time

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to recruit more nurses to work at Illinois medical facilities, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed a measure to extend the time nurses can practice while waiting for the review of their license application.

“Nurses should not lose out on work due to application waiting periods,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This initiative helps address the state’s nursing shortage, provides our nurses more experience with patients and ensures application delays do not affect their ability to work.”

House Bill 5047 would allow advanced practice registered nurses with pending applications to practice under supervision for six months while waiting for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s review of their application. Under current law, this status is revoked after three months. These nurses would need to have completed at least 250 hours of continuing education in their area of certification and have at least 4,000 hours of clinical experience to be applicable for this opportunity.

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Villivalam, Kelly support the 100 Club of Illinois through license plate options

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois residents could soon have a new license plate option thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam that will showcase the 100 Club of Illinois.

“Continuing to support organizations throughout our state that regularly give back to first responders and their families is vital,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Supporting them through offering license plate decals brings more awareness to the group and increases the availability of resources.”

The 100 Club of Illinois gives financial support to youth and spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty as well as mental health resources for active duty first responders. Through this measure, there will be a designation of registration and renewal fees that will be given back to the organization.

Read more: Villivalam, Kelly support the 100 Club of Illinois through license plate options

Martwick passes home equity assurance reform that uplifts homeowners

SPRINGFIELD — Chicago homeowners who pay into home equity assurance programs could soon see their tax dollars put to better use through increased access to home repair, thanks to a measure passed by State Senator Robert Martwick.

“Our communities have faced unprecedented flooding in the past few years, and insurance will not always cover the damage,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “By returning the funds to the people who need it most we improve the health and welfare of our neighborhoods.”

Illinois first allowed the creation of home equity assurance programs — or HEAPs — in 1987 with the goal of preserving the value of a resident’s property. The programs are funded through property taxes collected from homeowners in the HEAP district, who can enroll in the program by paying for an appraisal of their home. In return, they receive the guarantee that if they own the home for five years, they will not lose money when they sell the home if the market value has dropped.

Read more: Martwick passes home equity assurance reform that uplifts homeowners