Hastings calls for comprehensive study on water access and sustainability in the south suburbs
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SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced his proposal for the creation of the Chicago Water Contracts Transparency Study, a critical initiative aimed at improving water sustainability and equity for the South Suburbs.
With many suburban municipalities over-relying on the City of Chicago for water access, Hastings is calling for a comprehensive study to assess current water distribution agreements, the impact of rising water rates, and explore alternative options for local control of water resources.
“Water sustainability may seem like a distant issue, but it’s only one or two generations away,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “In 50 years, my children will be addressing the public policy regarding water in our communities. We must act now to ensure that our water supply remains reliable, affordable, and fairly distributed for generations to come.”
Preston holds press conference of Food Safety Act to highlight bipartisan support
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SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate Public Health Committee’s approval of Senate Bill 93, State Senator Willie Preston joined fellow lawmakers and advocates at a press conference Wednesday to highlight his legislation to ban the use of harmful food additives.
“Consumers in Illinois should have full faith and trust in the foods and products they are consuming,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Right now, Illinoisans are consuming harmful products without realizing it. We must focus on consumer safety and offer clear directives to food manufactures in order to keep all of Illinois healthy.”
Senate Bill 93, better known as the Illinois Food Safety Act, would ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include potassium bromate and propylparaben.
Read more: Preston holds press conference of Food Safety Act to highlight bipartisan support
Villa measure addressing congenital syphilis cases advances
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure aimed at addressing the increase in congenital syphilis cases in Illinois.
“As congenital syphilis continues to rise in Illinois and across the country, this bill is important in advancing syphilis testing practices to ensure the health of a baby and the individual birthing them,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “It is incredibly important to catch syphilis while it is conventional and can be treated.”
Senate Bill 119 would require the second syphilis test conducted on pregnant individuals to be done between 27 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to ensure treatment can begin at least 30 days before delivery. The measure would also expand authorization to administer the test to health care professionals who are qualified in addition to physicians.
Read more: Villa measure addressing congenital syphilis cases advances
Ventura to expand clean energy financing, tackle state’s role in deforestation
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SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a few new measures to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties, as well as limit the state’s role in deforestation.
"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).
Under one measure proposed by Ventura, the Illinois Finance Authority would be allowed to reallocate funds from inactive programs to assist in the development and implementation of clean energy initiatives. With this change, $36 million would become available to support the Illinois Climate Bank— which provides financing to help communities transition to clean energy — ultimately improving climate resiliency and promoting equitable growth across Illinois.
Read more: Ventura to expand clean energy financing, tackle state’s role in deforestation
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