Senate committee hears Ventura-backed legislation aimed at protecting global forests, boosting economic development in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, the Senate Executive Subcommittee on Procurement held a subject matter hearing on a bill led by State Senator Rachel Ventura that would make Illinois the first state to ensure state purchases do not contribute to deforestation, forest degradation or human rights violations.

“Preventing deforestation is one of the most cost-effective climate mitigation strategies. By following the policies set in this legislation, our state can make bold improvements in protecting the climate, biodiversity and human rights,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The state has made a serious commitment to reducing its carbon footprint with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Now more than ever, we must align Illinois’ procurement policy to match those commitments and move toward a deforestation-free procurement policy.”

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Stadelman measure strengthens free press protections

SPRINGFIELD – Following an Illinois Supreme Court decision that weakened protections for journalists, State Senator Steve Stadelman is working to safeguard the rights of Illinoisans and news outlets to state their opinions in the media.

“This legislation is needed in order to protect media and what they do on a daily basis,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We need to stand up for free press and speech, and this measure shows our efforts to do so."

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Lightford honored with prestigious Chicago Defender’s Vanguard Award

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford was one of three women to receive the prestigious Chicago Defender’s Vanguard Award for her 26 years of contributions of bettering the lives of the people of Illinois.

“Thank you to the Chicago Defender for this tremendous honor. To be recognized among such extraordinary women is truly humbling,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In reality, this isn’t my award. This award belongs to the Black girls who were seen but not heard. The Black girls who suffered trauma at the hands of a loved one. The Black girls who were told they couldn’t be all they could be.”

The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Awards celebrates local African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and grace. These women do it all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher and professional.

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Villivalam, Olickal law brings halal and kosher food options to schools

SPRINGFIELD — Through a new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, Illinois becomes the first state in the nation to require schools to offer halal and kosher food meal options, providing all students with equal access to meals served in schools.

“No student should have to watch their classmates eat a school-provided lunch and be left out because there is not an option that meets their needs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This new law ensures everyone has access to food that respects and dignifies their dietary restrictions.”

Senate Bill 457 requires schools to provide halal and kosher food options, as well as University of Illinois hospitals and state correctional facilities, upon request. In public schools, the law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to enter into one or more statewide master contracts with a vendor and give school districts the access to the contract so they can more efficiently provide additional meal options to students, including halal and kosher.

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