Cunningham plan to turn vacant lots into urban gardens passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s legislation to help turn vacant lots from problem areas into urban farms and community gardens passed the Senate Local Government Committee Tuesday.

“Many of our older communities find themselves with vacant, neglected lots in city centers and older neighborhoods,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “In many cases, the local government becomes responsible for these lots, and this plan would give them a clear path to turning them from sometimes-dangerous eyesores into farms or gardens that increase property values and engage the community.”

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Nursing home residents’ civil rights protected under Villa legislation

SPRINGFIELD – After months of collaboration with community members and professionals on her Senior Advisory Committee focusing on issues affecting older Illinoisans, Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) introduced a measure that would ensure nursing home residents are treated with courtesy and are able to maintain their human and civil rights while receiving medical care. 

“All Illinoisans deserve to be treated with civility and respect, regardless of their age or ability,” Villa said. “It’s been a pleasure working with my Senior Advisory Committee to come up with solutions for the nursing home issues voiced throughout our community.” 

Villa’s legislation would prohibit nursing home residents from performing labor for the facility unless it is for documented therapeutic or medical purposes. Outpatient mental health service facilities would also be required to have a written internal grievance procedure to allow residents to voice their concerns. 

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Lightford: Sexual assault survivors deserve privacy

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) passed two measures out of the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday that would help preserve the privacy of survivors of sexual assault.

“Sexual assault survivors deserve their privacy,” Lightford said. “They have experienced intense trauma, and it’s absolutely their right to determine whom they share their stories with.”

Senate Bill 2339 clarifies that anyone seeking to inspect or copy court records relating to a child survivor of sexual crimes must get a court order, with reasonable exceptions for people who play a legitimate role in the judicial process. The legislation, which is supported by the circuit court of Cook County, closes a loophole that prevents them from excluding identities when releasing certain court records.

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Morrison’s measure to bring routine dental care to school heads to Senate floor

SPRINGFIELD –To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is sponsoring a bill to allow preventative dental services within schools.

“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”

Under the measure, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.

Read more: Morrison’s measure to bring routine dental care to school heads to Senate floor