Porfirio/Kifowit measure to protect military service members who are sexual assault survivors

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide greater protections for military service members who are survivors of sexual misconduct, State Senator Mike Porfirio, a Navy Veteran, and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, a Marine Corps Veteran, are fighting to move legislation to the governor’s desk.

“Survivors of sexual assault must receive all the protections they deserve,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Service members sacrifice their lives for the protection of our country, the least we can do is ensure that they are protected as well.”

The proposal ensures that Illinois National Guard and reserve military service members who are survivors of non-consensual sexual conduct and have received a military protective order are also protected under the state’s civil no contact and stalking no contact orders.

“Military sexual assault is a real problem that can have long-term safety risks and consequences for victims,” said Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego). “I have been focused on aligning our laws to ensure that survivors receive the protections they deserve, not just from a military judge, but from the state they live in as well.”

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Hunter advances measure to prevent utility shutoffs in extreme heat

SPRINGFIELD — As Illinois sees more frequent and severe heat waves, residents behind on their utility bills in the summer could be at risk of life-threatening consequences. State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading a measure through the Senate to further protect vulnerable citizens from having their gas or electric service disconnected during extreme heat.

“With hotter temperatures and more days of extreme heat each year, people are facing an increased risk of heat-related illnesses,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This bill will ensure families do not lose access to lifesaving cooling methods during period of high heat, even if they are behind on paying their bills.”

House Bill 1541 amends the Public Utilities Act to prohibit a utility company from terminating gas or electric service due to nonpayment of bills on days when the forecasted temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, or when the National Weather Service issues a heat watch, warning or advisory. Currently, the Public Utilities Act prohibits disconnection when the temperature is 95 degrees or hotter but does not account for when the heat index may rise to dangerous levels.

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Senate Democrats support efforts to end Alzheimer’s

SPRINGFIELD – Wearing purple to show their support, Senate Democrats joined advocates during the Alzheimer’s Association’s Week of Action on Wednesday in their effort to bring attention to the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

“Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that affects the lives of not only those who are diagnosed with it, but their family, friends and loved ones as well,” said State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “More than 230,000 people in Illinois are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. I am proud to wear purple today to support the effort to end Alzheimer’s and will continue to fight this public health issue.”

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Villanueva measure to increase computer science, art teachers at CPS

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Villanueva championed legislation to bring more qualified computer science and art teachers to Chicago Public Schools, creating better learning opportunities throughout the district.  

“CPS – like many school districts across the state – are facing a workforce shortage,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Unfortunately, the first classes to be sacrificed are often electives like the arts. We need to uplift our educators in order to uplift our students.”

House Bill 2442 would increase the amount of computer science and art teachers in CPS. CPS says there are not enough teachers endorsed to teach these classes to meet district needs. To tackle this issue, Villanueva’s measure would allow licensed employees to receive additional training – or endorsements – through a pilot program within the district, allowing them to teach other classes, such as computer science and art classes.

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