Peters creates Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act
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SPRINGFIELD – To increase the baseline financial penalty for civil rights violations, State Senator Robert Peters championed a measure to create the Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act.
“Business enterprises receiving federal funds should not be immune to the consequences of discriminating against people,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Protecting businesses from punishment when they knowingly commit discriminatory acts goes against Illinois values.”
House Bill 2248 was created in response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. that ruled emotional distress damages are not recoverable in a private action under the anti-discrimination provisions of either the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Read more: Peters creates Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act
Hunter advances bill to track SNAP benefit fraud in Illinois
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SPRINGFIELD — To gain an understanding of the scope and frequency of SNAP benefit fraud in Illinois, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a bill through committee granting the Illinois Department of Human Services the authority to collect data on these stolen benefits within the state.
"The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of SNAP benefits in ensuring that families have access to the food they need,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “However, fraud threatens the integrity of this critical program.”
House Bill 2214 allows IDHS to track how often benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are stolen from their rightful recipients. SNAP participants receive monthly benefits for groceries deposited onto EBT cards, and in recent months, card skimming has increased significantly in many states. IDHS began collecting data on card skimming and other fraud methods in December 2022, making it unclear how much theft had previously occurred. Under this measure, IDHS will be required to report its findings to the General Assembly annually beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.
Read more: Hunter advances bill to track SNAP benefit fraud in Illinois
Senators fight to provide state IDs for inmates before release
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SPRINGFIELD – Each year, thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals struggle to get back on their feet, facing issues to obtain housing, work, medical care and more. A leading factor: a lack of an ID.
State Senator Willie Preston is leading the charge to create a smoother transition back into society by providing them with a form of identification that is necessary for many everyday activities.
"Without a State ID, individuals who are released from jail face significant barriers when trying to secure housing, employment, or even something as basic as opening a bank account,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “By providing them with IDs prior to release, we are giving them a better chance to contribute to society and rebuild their lives."
Read more: Senators fight to provide state IDs for inmates before release
State legislators and fire officials call for inclusion of tax credit for volunteer firefighters following I-55 dust storm
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SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Doris Turner and Christopher Belt joined fire officials and other state legislators Monday to commend the heroic efforts of volunteer firefighters in response to the recent I-55 Dust Storm.
To encourage more brave men and women to step up and help communities, Senator Belt is sponsoring Senate Bill 2253 this year. The measure calls for an inclusion of an income tax credit into the state budget, which help alleviate the critical shortage of volunteer firefighters in Illinois.
Modeled after legislation passed in New York, the proposal would provide a $500 state income tax credit for volunteer firefighters, who earn less than $10,000 in stipends for their service to the fire department.
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DANVILLE – State Senator Paul Faraci is pleased to announce that Vermilion Advantage has been awarded $80,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Local Technical Assistance program. “As a strong partner in Verm... -
SPRINGFIELD — As a union organizer and strong protector of worker’s rights, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is proud to advance legislation that would further protect working Illinoisans, and their right to collective bargaining. “Laborers in Chicago la... -
SPRINGFIELD – To provide the safest conditions possible for cyclists, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to update sign requirements on bike trails where there are known hazards. “Improved signage around pathway hazards or emergencies is... -
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio welcomed relatives of Emmett Till to the Illinois Capitol in honor of the declaration of Emmett Till Day. “On Emmett Till Day, we mourn the loss of Emmett and recognize the significance his death played in th... -
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ measure to keep a closer watch on Illinois’ gray foxes moved a step nearer to becoming law on Thursday. The gray fox population in Illinois and much of the Midwest has been declining over the last 30 years, pr...
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