Van Pelt: Substance abuse is a disorder, and needs to be treated as such

 CHICAGO – Tuesday afternoon, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) held a hearing in light of rising opioid overdose deaths in Cook County over the past year.

 “I think it’s necessary to reanalyze substance addiction in a way that is not criminalizing the addict,” Van Pelt said. “Substance abuse is a disorder, and people need treatment, not punishment. The drug companies, dealers, doctors and pharmacists should be held accountable for the role they play in these overdoses.”

 Gloria Banks, member of Mothers Opposed to Violence Everywhere, testified that users are victims, and dealers are the ones who should be criminalized. Banks’ brother Jay died last December of an overdose.  Banks said she doesn’t believe it to be an accident, but rather a homicide.

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Hastings: We must protect the path to the middle class for future generations

FRANKFORT – The Senate Energy and Public Utilities committee, chaired by State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), held the first public hearing on the Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Act Tuesday.

“We have embarked on a journey that will culminate with increased investment in our state’s capacity for clean energy and in our working families,” Hastings said. “Our top priorities must be guaranteeing our infrastructure can maintain the necessary baseload to power Illinois homes, solidifying our status as a leader in energy generation and distribution space, and sustaining good paying jobs.”

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Van Pelt encourages Illinoisans over 16 to get vaccine to prevent resurgence in COVID-19 infections

CHICAGO – The state is expecting to receive 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government this week, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Healthcare Access and Availability Committee, is encouraging Illinoisans over the age of 16 to get their shot as eligibility expands across the state.

“Now is the ideal time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already,” Van Pelt said. “As supplies of the vaccine increase and appointments become available, all who are eligible should make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

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Villanueva encourages suburban residents to apply for rent assistance program

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) encouraged suburban residents of Cook County to catch up on past rent with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) extended a nationwide moratorium on evictions.

“Even though evictions are halted, rent is still due for working families,” Villanueva said. “Assistance is available to families struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can cover up to 12 months of missed rent and utilities and up to three months of future rent payments. Applicants must live in Suburban Cook County and meet income requirements. Applications close April 2, 2021.

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