Murphy: New law allows student athletes to be their authentic selves on and off the field

SPRINGFIELD – Students of all backgrounds can represent their schools with confidence under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) giving students more flexibility in the design of their athletic uniforms.

“Athletic uniforms are about establishing a sense of camaraderie between team members, but for many students, the design of a uniform can be a barrier,” Murphy said. “This law represents a step forward for diversity and inclusion in Illinois.”

The law enables student athletes at public K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and community colleges in Illinois to modify their athletic or team uniform to be in accordance with their cultural values, modesty standards or religion.

The legislation was sponsored in the House by State Representative Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago).

Read more: Murphy: New law allows student athletes to be their authentic selves on and off the field

Governor signs “Hayli’s Law” spearheaded by Senator Joyce

KANKAKEE – A measure sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit was signed into law Friday by Gov. JB Pritzker. 

This new law was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was flagged by local officials and shut down.

“Opening a lemonade stand can teach kids about entrepreneurship and responsibility, so it’s really a great opportunity for them to learn while making some extra money,” Joyce said. “This new law will allow our young entrepreneurs to dream big without any hurdles.”

Read more: Governor signs “Hayli’s Law” spearheaded by Senator Joyce

Loughran Cappel, Connor partner to host virtual workshops for local job seekers

Will County, Ill.  – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and State Senator John Connor are partnering with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Workforce Center of Will County to host a series of workshops to provide local residents with the tools necessary for a successful job search.

“As we move through the waning days of the pandemic, we expect to see our state’s employment numbers continue to rise,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).“By doing our part to provide resources for local job seekers through partnerships with entities like IDES and the Workforce Center of Will County, Illinois can re-emerge with one of our nation’s strongest economies.”

Read more: Loughran Cappel, Connor partner to host virtual workshops for local job seekers

Labor Chair Holmes sees new $9 million investment, outlook upgrades as signs the state budget is on the right track

AURORA — Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is pleased to see the state has invested $9 million to boost revitalization among small businesses through the community navigator outreach program. She believes this investment, along with recent news that the state’s fiscal outlook ratings are improving, bode well for the state’s economic recovery.

“The community navigator program helps small businesses navigate billions in available financial assistance from the state and the Small Business Administration through the American Rescue Plan Act,” Holmes said. “The 42^nd District can benefit from economic recovery grants, put employees back to work and continue rebuilding our economy post pandemic.”

Community navigators perform outreach to small, minority and hard-to-reach businesses to make them aware of available relief funds and help them recover from losses suffered during the pandemic.

Holmes said fiscal ratings bumps from Fitch and Moody’s complement this small business investment, and further demonstrate Illinois’ responsible budget decisions to pay back federal borrowing, pay down a backlog of bills, and cut general fund spending by approximately $1 billion since fiscal year 2020.

In the most recent budget, the state increased education funding by $350 million, made its full pension payment, and fully funded local governments.

“If we keep passing responsible, balanced budgets, we’ll earn ratings upgrades and save the taxpayers money,” Holmes said. “The better our rating, the less we have to pay in interest costs when the state borrows money.”

Holmes chairs the Illinois Senate Labor Committee.