Senator Fine: Investments in mental health care, social services will save lives

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the General Assembly’s passage of a state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement:

“Illinoisans are seeking social services at an unprecedented rate due to the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the investments we’re making in disability support services and mental health and substance abuse treatment will save lives across our state. 

“I am also happy to see our state stay true to its commitment to fully fund the evidence-based school funding formula to support the schools preparing to welcome students back in person after last year’s tough transition to hybrid and remote learning.

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Castro champions measure to stop the puppy mill to pet shop pipeline

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) passed a measure to put an end to the demand for pets from inhumane breeding operations by requiring pet stores to source their animals from rescue shelters.

“We’ve seen too many families purchase pets from a pet shop, only to take them home and find out they have a myriad of health issues,” Castro said. “Too often, pet shops source their animals from intensive breeding facilities that treat animals like objects instead of the living, breathing creatures they are.”

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Chicago lawmakers celebrate passage of elected school board legislation

SPRINGFIELD – A group of Chicago-based state Senators, led by State Senator Robert Martwick (Senate District 10), is celebrating the Senate passage of a proposal to enact an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools. Martwick issued the following statement:

“Today’s win in the culmination of a decade-long fight that is an important step toward giving our communities a say in how the schools their children attend are run. We’re delivering accountability to the school board and ensuring that the people who will be making the decisions about how CPS is run and will always act in the best interests of CPS students and families.”

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Ellman passes resolution designating January 17 as “Muhammad Ali Day” in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) which establishes January 17, 2022 as Muhammad Ali Day in the state of Illinois passed the Senate on Monday.

“State commemorative holidays are an opportunity to recognize people who provided an example of what it means to be the best we can be,” Ellman said. “Muhammad Ali deserves this recognition for his achievements, hard-working and courageous, both in and out of the ring.”

Read more: Ellman passes resolution designating January 17 as “Muhammad Ali Day” in Illinois