SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Karina Villa passed a measure through the Senate to address the mental health concerns of defendants who have been determined to be unfit for trial languishing in county jails.
“Our justice system is not equipped to care for every individual deemed unfit for trail in need of mental health treatment, resulting in worse mental health outcomes for these individuals,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This not only inhibits a person’s right to due process and a fair trial, but further increases the chances of an individual remaining in the system.”
Read more: Villa pushes measure ensuring best mental health practices in criminal justice system
SPRINGFIELD ─ To provide families and legal guardians with information about services their child might need, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced legislation aimed at increasing opportunities to inform parents about the Early Intervention program.
“Early intervention is life-changing for many families, as these programs provide critical services and therapies as children develop,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “But, these services can only benefit those they are able to reach, which means uplifting the program and expanding its outreach to those who need it is imperative.”
Read more: Villivalam measure to increase access to the Early Intervention program
SPRINGFIELD — As their community faces exponentially rising costs of living and gentrification, State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Will Guzzardi have developed legislation to collect data on the lack of more affordable housing options, inspiring agencies and organizations to invest in developing more affordable housing.
“Illinois has developed several programs to prevent homelessness and support the most vulnerable in our communities, but there is a gap in support for people who make slightly more, but still struggle to afford to live in their neighborhoods,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Our initiative will demonstrate how great the need for more affordable housing is, taking the first step for us to address this issue and get working folks in reasonably priced living situations.”
SPRINGFIELD — To expand dual language programs in grade schools, State Senator Graciela Guzmán has developed a measure to incentivize more schools across the state to adopt the program, at little to no cost to their respective districts.
“I am lucky enough to have multiple schools in my district with dual language instruction, and when I have toured there, there is always an excited, almost magical energy that the kids and teachers bring to their classes,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “From the art and projects they show off featuring multiple languages, to their rapid-fire conversations jumping between them, it is impressive and awe-inspiring that at such an early age, these young people are learning so much about language and culture. These programs are vital to the curiosity of our children, and for encouraging open-mindedness toward other cultures, and this measure will further incentivize their investment across all corners of the state.”
Read more: Guzmán legislation to expand dual language instruction passes Senate
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