Lightford cracks down on marketing alcohol to children

SPRINGFIELD – The rise of co-branded alcoholic beverages – like Hard Mountain Dew and Spiked Sunny-D – has piqued the interest of children. Whether the marketing is intentional or not, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is working to put a stop to the issue by restricting the location certain alcohol items can be displayed and sold.

"We are taking steps to underscore our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our youth," said Lightford (D-Maywood). "By limiting the proximity of co-branded alcoholic beverages to items targeting children, we aim to diminish the potential influence of alcohol-related marketing on impressionable minds."

Co-branded alcoholic beverages contain the same or similar brand name, logo or packaging as a non-alcoholic beverage. Senate Bill 2625 would prohibit stores over 2,500 square feet – which primarily is anything bigger than a convenience store – from displaying co-branded alcoholic beverages immediately adjacent to soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water, candy, or snack foods portraying cartoons or child-oriented images.

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Fine enhances treatment procedures for neglected adult cases

SPRINGFIELD – In order to mitigate increased health risks associated with adults who are unable to take care of themselves, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure that implements a procedure for developing a treatment plan suitable to the patient’s needs. 

“Although our state has made progress in advancing clinical care, we need to enhance procedures for protecting adults who may not be able to take care of themselves,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This legislation streamlines essential care to patients who unfortunately do not have the ability to care for themselves by ensuring they receive timely access to recommended services.” 

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Peters strengthens child labor laws to protect youth from exploitation

CHICAGO —In an effort to safeguard the rights and well-being of the state’s youngest citizens, State Senator Robert Peters passed legislation out of the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday.

“This initiative is about taking care of issues we have seen associated with child labor,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It lays out updated guidelines that look out for our kids – their rights, their schooling, and their futures.”

Senate Bill 3646 provides more protection for children in the workforce by addressing various aspects of child labor, including working conditions, age requirements and sectors prone to exploitation.

Read more: Peters strengthens child labor laws to protect youth from exploitation

Lightford passes measure to create new early childhood agency

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford passed a measure Wednesday to create a new state agency – the Department of Early Childhood – to streamline the administration of early childhood education care programs and services.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

The Department of Early Childhood – which would be created through Senate Bill 1 – would focus on administering early childhood education programs. The new agency would be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

Read more: Lightford passes measure to create new early childhood agency