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.

Read more: Hunter advances measure to prevent utility shutoffs in extreme heat

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.”

Read more: Senate Democrats support efforts to end Alzheimer’s

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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Castro, Moeller advance legislation to provide equal access to township assistance

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure, sponsored by State Representative Anna Moeller in the House, aimed at providing organizations with equal access to township assistance, regardless of the immigration status of the population they serve.

“Organizations serving the public provide critical services and programming to families, children and whole communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The perceived immigration status of an organization’s participants should never be a reason to terminate the organization’s funding that they use to provide such vital services.”

House Bill 1283 amends the Township Code to prevent a township official from denying funding to an organization based upon the perceived citizenship or immigration status of the person who would receive those funds from the organization. The bill would codify existing federal and state protections already afforded to an organization into the Township Code.

Read more: Castro, Moeller advance legislation to provide equal access to township assistance