Peters advances plan to create the Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act

SPRINGFIELD – A measure increasing the baseline financial penalty for civil rights violations sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

“Discrimination has unfortunately been on the rise,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Victims of civil rights violations don’t ask to be discriminated against and deserve every bit of compensation they can get.”

House Bill 2248 would allow state claims for violations of federal civil rights acts to be heard in any court with jurisdiction. The measure also provides that Illinois courts may award no less than $4,000 in damages.

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Johnson secures funding for mobile asthma unit

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson celebrates another win for community health initiatives with a $500,000 investment in an asthma mobile unit designed for Waukegan and North Chicago.

“Each step we take for the betterment of our community is a step in the right direction,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It is my hope that together, we can provide the resources necessary for a healthier community.”

 The Christopher Redding Youth Asthma Foundation, founded in 2013, is managing the asthma van as they share a vision in serving the community with Senator Johnson. The Asthma Mobile Unit will provide asthma and allergy medicine to Lake County, concentrating on Waukegan and North Chicago. They will service families and youth living with asthma, with an emphasis on lessening the potentially adverse health effects on asthmatic youth and young adults involved in athletics in underserved communities.

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Senator Faraci celebrates Higher Education investments with a visit to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Paul Faraci joined Governor JB Pritzker on a visit to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to highlight future investments in higher education.

“College affordability is an issue that affects parents all across the state,” said State Senator Paul Faraci, (D-Champaign). “As a father to a 17-year-old daughter, I believe that the proposed funding increase to higher education will provide financial security to many families and allow more children to further their education right here in Illinois.”

Faraci is supporting an increase in MAP Grant Funding in the governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which would help ensure every student who wants to go to college has an affordable path to do so. Pursuing higher education degrees would become more attainable if the $100 million investment into the MAP Grant Program is made.

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Senator Turner celebrates the start of underpass construction at Madison, Jefferson streets in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Transportation and local officials in the announcement of a new $68.3 million underpass at Madison and Jefferson streets in Springfield. This is the latest landmark for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will separate railroad tracks from regular vehicle traffic to reduce congestion and delays, improve safety, provide better access for bikes and pedestrians, cut down on emergency response times and enhance local quality of life.

“Congestion in downtown Springfield can be hectic, especially when the train crosses right through town during peak traffic hours,” said Turner (D-Springfield), who helped make the Springfield Rail Improvements Project possible. “Emergency vehicles have been delayed getting to and from the medical district, increasing the wait time when residents need medical assistance. This investment not only uplifts the city, but also takes into account the safety, livability and development of Springfield for years to come.”

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