Villa law finalizes closure of Kerr-McGee in West Chicago

SPRINGFIELD – A new law spearheaded by State Senator Karina Villa will finalize the closure of Kerr-McGee, a rare earths facility in West Chicago, aiming to bring peace of mind to residents after radioactive material originating from the site contaminated hundreds of residences during the facility’s years of operation.

“This has been a battle that residents of West Chicago have been fighting for decades,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The community needs to know that their health and safety is secured.”

From 1932 to 1973, Kerr-McGee produced large amounts of radioactive materials, which later contaminated 676 residential properties in West Chicago. Since 1994, the facility has been in the process of decommissioning and is currently in the final phase of remediation. This phase involves the treatment of groundwater at the location of the factory site, which is set to conclude by fall 2026.

Read more: Villa law finalizes closure of Kerr-McGee in West Chicago

DCFS scholarship expansion signed into law, thanks to Feigenholtz

SPRINGFIELD — To help youth formerly in DCFS care achieve their higher education goals, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz spearheaded a new law providing scholarship recipients with greater flexibility in how they use the funding.

“By incentivizing diverse career paths, we’re making it easier for students to receive assistance as long as they are in good standing and working toward a degree, certificate or graduation,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “This flexibility supports greater access to higher education opportunities for former youth in care across our state.”

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Porfirio measure enhancing transparency for veterans, service members’ benefits becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and service members across the state will soon have enhanced benefits knowledge, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“This law ensures our veterans have easy access to critical information, helping them fully utilize the support they’ve earned through their service,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “In making this information more accessible, we are empowering veterans to take full advantage of the resources they deserve while reflecting our deep gratitude to those who have served our nation.”

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Villanueva law to increase business loan opportunities for underserved communities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s measure to allow minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses to apply for up to $2 million in loans was signed into law Friday.

“We must continue to uplift disadvantaged communities and provide them with greater opportunities to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “These businesses are the backbones of their communities – and to see minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses thrive means hope is on the horizon.”

Senate Bill 3807 encourages more people to apply to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Minority, Veteran, Female and Disability Loan Program by increasing the maximum loan amount from $400,000 to $2 million.

Read more: Villanueva law to increase business loan opportunities for underserved communities