ISDC

Latino Caucus celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by engaging the community and honoring trailblazers

Lightford among top notable Black leaders in Illinois

Senate Democrats celebrate over $305 million in federal grant funding to support infrastructure projects

September is National Preparedness Month

Villanueva law safeguards and upholds reproductive rights

DCFS to have clearer role in checking in on children with out-of-state guardians under new law by Pacione-Zayas

Details: Monday, August 23, 2021 11:35 AM

CHICAGO – To help clarify the Department of Children and Family Services’ role in assessing the living situations of children placed with parents out of state, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) spearheaded a law signed Friday that lays out clear guidelines for when DCFS can assess these living arrangements.

“We have a clear duty to children who are or have been in state care, and it can’t be hindered by confusion over geographical lines,” Pacione-Zayas said. “This legislation will help fill in the gaps in current policy and make it easier for DCFS to do its job to protect our state’s children.”

Villivalam makes state services more accessible through CityKey ID

Details: Monday, August 23, 2021 11:13 AM

city id 082321 CHICAGO – To better serve undocumented and immigrant communities, legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that would allow municipal ID cards to be used to access state services and facilities was signed into law today.

“All residents of Illinois, regardless of immigration status, should be able to receive essential state services,” Villivalam said. “Today Illinois renews its commitment to undocumented and immigrant communities that we are the most welcoming state in the nation.”

Villanueva law adds citizenship classes to high school curriculum

Details: Monday, August 23, 2021 11:01 AM

citizenship test 082321 CHICAGO – So that students better understand the naturalization process, a measure introduced by State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) that would allow schools to offer courses on naturalization and citizenship was signed into law today.

“More than two-thirds of students who take the U.S. Citizenship test in their history courses end up failing,” Villanueva said. “Schools may now offer instruction on citizenship so that students from all backgrounds know the effort it takes to go through the naturalization process.”

Joyce measure to alleviate Illinois teacher shortage signed into law

Details: Monday, August 23, 2021 10:53 AM

PARK FOREST – A comprehensive proposal by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) aimed at eliminating Illinois’ teacher shortage was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“The teacher shortage in Illinois is a crisis, and this new law offers strategies to reverse the trend,” Joyce said. “As school districts return to in-person learning this fall, this new law will grant retired teachers the ability to substitute teach for more hours without impairing their retirement status.”

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Preston announces $1.5 million to save Pike House

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston joined the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Beverly Area Arts Alliance and Commissioner Stanley Moore Saturday to announce significant state funding secured by Preston to save, renovate and reinvigorate the Pike...

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Funding for workforce training coming to 20th District thanks to Toro

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including more than $280,000 for workforce training i...

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Holmes joins Morrison on new law clarifying drone use in communities

AURORA – In 2023, State Senator Linda Holmes collaborated with State Senator Julie Morrison to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones for public safety. This year, they cosponsored Senate Bill 2849 to give local governments authority to set rea...

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Holmes announces $4.5 million in Illinois EPA’s no-interest loans to replace lead water lines in Batavia

AURORA – An additional $4.5 million has been provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Batavia’s ongoing lead water line replacement program, State Senator Linda Holmes announced Friday. The city will replace approximately 150 lead...

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Preston applauds FDA ban on brominated vegetable oil

CHICAGO - Senator Willie Preston commended the Food and Drug Administration for its decision to ban brominated vegetable oil, a harmful food additive that has posed significant health risks to consumers for decades. "It’s great that the FDA has final...

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