Castro proposal tackling single-use plastic pollution passes committee

SPRINGFIELD — Over 20 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes and Chicago-area waterways annually, the majority being single-use plastics with an average use of just a few short minutes. Once in the water, plastic breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics — toxic particles that make their way into drinking water, harm animal life and contribute to environmental degradation.

To tackle excessive plastic pollution and safeguard Illinois’ natural resources, State Senator Cristina Castro is working with consumers, businesses and environmental experts to pass legislation to cut down on single-use plastic bags.

“Illinois can’t be a true, nationwide climate leader if we leave our natural resources behind without addressing the hazards posed by plastic pollution,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We as legislators have a responsibility to strive toward sustainability and protect our fragile ecosystems for future generations.”

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Halpin propels ‘Skip the Plastic Day’ through committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s resolution to declare April 1 as “Skip the Plastic Day” in Illinois passed committee Thursday.

“With our landfills and waterways being filled with plastic waste, Illinois has an opportunity to stand up and be part of the solution rather than the problem,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island) “Skip the Plastic Day will bring more awareness to this issue that is impacting the whole planet.”

“Skip the Plastic Day” would urge all residents, businesses and visitors to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment. The resolution would also commend businesses for willingly participating in offering single-use plastics only at customer request. The single use plastics included under the day are straws and cutlery, though businesses are encouraged to draw down all plastic use.

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Guzmán to establish Climate Displacement Task Force

SPRINGFIELD — In a recent initiative passed through the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee, State Senator Graciela Guzmán would create a task force studying the impacts of climate displacement, and develop plans to better support the communities most impacted.

“Nearly every week on the news, there are reports of a severe environmental disaster that is devastating communities around our country and across the world,” said Guzmán. “From tornadoes and blizzards that impact us in Illinois, to fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes that wreak havoc throughout our country, we are all impacted by climate change, and may be displaced by the resulting damage from these extreme storms. We need to start planning for how to best support folks who will become displaced by climate change, and work on ways to prevent damage from volatile weather in our own communities, and this initiative will help lay the ground work to address these issues.”

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Belt works to expand access to blue-collar job training programs in Metro East

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to expand career and technical education programs to support regional manufacturing. 

“A lot of kids grow up thinking that college is the only option to be successful, and while a four-year degree is great, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry that young people may not know about,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “For many jobs, kids might become interested because of a parent or family member, and we want to open the door for other youth without similar experiences. Further, for kids who may already be interested in technical education, this bill would give them the experience they need to get a job right away.”

Read more: Belt works to expand access to blue-collar job training programs in Metro East