Porfirio legislation breaks higher ed barriers for Iraqi, Afghan refugees

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio introduced legislation that would require public colleges and universities to waive transcript evaluation fees for refugees of Iraq and Afghanistan.

“In waiving these fees, we can invest in the academic journey of Iraqi and Afghan refugees while helping them,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), who served alongside Iraqi and Afghan translators during Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as a police advisor during the war in Afghanistan. “We have a moral obligation to support those who have served shoulder to shoulder with us.” 

Currently, transcript evaluations assess foreign transcripts as part of an admission process for higher education institutions. These evaluations are used to establish a U.S.-equivalent GPA, verify the accreditation of the schools where the applicant obtained or will obtain their degree, and benchmark completed coursework to determine if the applicant has met the prerequisite coursework requirements for their intended program.

Read more: Porfirio legislation breaks higher ed barriers for Iraqi, Afghan refugees

Harmon statement on Gov. Pritzker’s budget proposal

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement following Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year:

“The governor’s proposal is a good start.

“Senate Democrats look forward to the discussion of how to balance our serious needs with fiscal realities in the weeks and months ahead.

“My goal is to cross the finish line with a bipartisan, balanced budget that reflects our shared goals of responsibility and security and invests in key priorities for the state of Illinois.”

Read more: Harmon statement on Gov. Pritzker’s budget proposal

Joyce measure to expand Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce introduced a measure before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday that would expand the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve in Will County.

“The transfer of this portion of land would be a big win for the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By acquiring more land, there would be an increased opportunity for public uses, allowing residents to further enjoy the natural resources included within.”

Read more: Joyce measure to expand Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve passes committee

Preston’s food safety act passes committee

CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston  advanced new legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois.

“People should be able to trust that the food they buy is safe,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “As a father, it really concerns me that some of my family’s favorite food items have harmful chemicals in them.”

Senate Bill 2637 will ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye no. 3.

Read more: Preston’s food safety act passes committee