Holmes’ bill to rein in dog breed discrimination by insurers signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Presently, homeowners’ insurance policies are allowed to place limitations based on discrimination against certain dog breeds or mixes. Discrimination in all forms is suspect, and Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) bill to restrict this practice was signed by the governor Friday.

“When you have a dog and need to move, it can be difficult to find a place that may allow your breed of dog,” Holmes said. “Humane organizations have been fighting these breed stereotypes for years, and this moves the ball forward to make pet ownership and housing more compatible.”

Read more: Holmes’ bill to rein in dog breed discrimination by insurers signed into law

Stadelman moves Illinois one step closer to a high-speed rail network

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford that creates a commission to help make a statewide network of new and existing high-speed passenger rail lines a reality has been signed by the governor.

“Creating a high-speed rail network would provide a fast, safe and reliable way to travel across the state,” Stadelman said.

The measure would create the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist the state and organizations like the High-Speed Rail Alliance, which produced a plan to create a high-speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis within the next 10 years, coordinate.

“Connecting Rockford to Chicago through rail has always been one of my top priories,” Stadelman said. “This investment in high speed rail networks will expand travel opportunities for the residents of Rockford and the entire state.”

Read more: Stadelman moves Illinois one step closer to a high-speed rail network

Feigenholtz expands parental leave options for new parents

SPRINGFIELD – Public school teachers and employees who are about to become new parents will have greater flexibility on how they can use their sick time for parental leave as part of a new law sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

“In 2021 families are formed in their own unique ways. Teachers and employees who have earned sick time should have flexibility in how and when they use this earned time” Feigenholtz said. “Many new families today, especially LGBTQ+ and single-parent families, function differently than when these laws were written. Every family is unique and deserves the right to decide how to use their sick time in the way that best suits them.”

Read more: Feigenholtz expands parental leave options for new parents

Tenants in affordable housing may keep pets, thanks to new Holmes law

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent families from having to give up beloved pets to find affordable housing, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) measure was signed by the governor Friday. It will allow tenants to keep two cats or a dog, regardless of breed, size or weight, in their residence.

“Eighty-one million American households now share their homes with 173 million dogs and cats,” Holmes said. “Regardless of their income, people love their pets and view them as members of the family. Affordable housing should be accessible for all types of people, and that includes people with pets.”

Read more: Tenants in affordable housing may keep pets, thanks to new Holmes law