Hunter law to expand access to healthy foods

CHICAGO – Neighborhoods like Englewood, Woodlawn and others across the state suffer from food insecurity, an issue to be addressed thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Mattie Hunter, which expands access to healthy foods across Chicago communities and statewide.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity estimates that 500,000 Illinoisans have limited or no direct access to local stores.

“There are too many Illinoisans eating poorly simply because they don’t have access to healthier food,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Food insecurity is one of the issues I’ve been fighting for a long time, and I am confident that this law will help to end food deserts in our state.”

Read more: Hunter law to expand access to healthy foods

Van Pelt announces the elimination of DNA Backlog

CHICAGO – For the first time since 2019, the number of sexual assault kits awaiting testing, also referred to as the DNA backlog, has been eliminated, announced State Senator Patricia Van Pelt.

After decades of extensive sexual assault forensic backlogs, the number of pending sexual assault forensic assignments older than 180 days, which was once more than 1,800, has reached zero.

“The reduction of this backlog has been a long time coming, and I am so glad that there are no more outstanding sexual assault kits,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “Families have spent years waiting for some kind of answer—for some kind of accountability for their loved ones that have been lost—and today I am thinking of what this progress means for them.”

Read more: Van Pelt announces the elimination of DNA Backlog

Decatur to see a number of road improvements thanks to Turner-supported plan

DECATUR – New construction projects will soon pop up around Decatur to better roads and bridges thanks to the State Senator Doris Turner-backed Rebuild Illinois plan.

“The region is slated for major redevelopment and revitalization,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The Rebuild Illinois plan doesn’t just help fix our roads and bridges, it brings job growth to the community.”

Read more: Decatur to see a number of road improvements thanks to Turner-supported plan

Villivalam appointed to transportation funding and policy commission

­CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam was appointed to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Infrastructure Funding and Policy Tuesday.

“I am proud to sit on this commission and am eager to begin working with industry experts, colleagues in the General Assembly and the governor’s office on finding innovative ways to continue to improve our infrastructure in a safe, accessible and affordable way.” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

Read more: Villivalam appointed to transportation funding and policy commission