SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner was proud to visit Washington, D.C. last week to stand in support of the president signing a proclamation to designate a national monument to commemorate the 1909 race riot in Springfield.
“The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is a solemn reminder of the tragic events that took place in our city,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This designation is an important step toward healing and reconciliation, giving us space to educate and reflect.”
President Joe Biden signed a proclamation Friday designating a national monument to honor the 1908 race riot in Springfield that caused numerous deaths, injuries and destroyed dozens of Black-owned businesses and homes.
SPRINGFIELD – If a person’s license plate or sticker is stolen from their car, they won’t be on the hook for paying the replacement fee under a new law led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.
“Imagine the stress of seeing someone violated your personal belongings,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Now imagine the exacerbated stress of wondering how you are going to pay to fix the problem so you don’t get fined. We should never penalize victims – no matter how big or small the price.”
Under Sims’ law, if a person’s license plate or registration sticker is stolen, they will be able to receive a new one at no cost. Previously, drivers would have to pay either $6 for a new plate, or $20 for a new registration tag if stolen.
Read more: Stolen license plate, registration sticker replacements now free thanks to Sims
SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam protects the confidentiality of train crew members in fatal accident reports.
“We often see personal information released in reports, although it is not needed for accountability or investigative purposes,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This law will ensure worker information is not being released when it is not pertinent in the interest of their safety.”
Illinois has the third-highest number of railroad collisions in the nation, according to a 2022 report from the Illinois Commerce Commission. In 2022, 30 people died at highway-rail crossing collisions.
Read more: Villivalam law protects confidentiality of train crew members
SPRINGFIELD – To reduce barriers for Illinoisans trying to access a colonoscopy, State Senator Willie Preston championed a new law requiring all health insurance plans to cover the cost of the procedure when deemed medically necessary.
“Talking openly about colonoscopies can raise awareness and motivate more individuals to get screened,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “With this law, we can further promote early detection and prevention efforts by broadening coverage for the procedure.”
According to data reported from the National Cancer Institute in 2023, colon cancer was responsible for 7.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and 8.6% of all cancer deaths. The Institute also projected that about 4.1% of the population will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point during their lifetime based on data collected from 2017 to 2019.
Read more: Preston legislation to expand access to colonoscopies signed by governor
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