Joyce-led proposal to save the Illinois horse racing industry passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To give a boost to the horse racing industry and Illinois’ economy, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill in the Senate that would, among multiple other items, allow for the development of new horse racing tracks in Illinois.

“Illinois used to be a powerhouse in horse racing and horse breeding,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We are trying to advance the ball on an industry that employs thousands.”

House Bill 2724 would allow for the construction of a new harness track in Macon County. The bill would also set a deadline for the development of an additional harness race track and horse racetrack casino, or racino, in Cook County’s south suburbs.

Read more: Joyce-led proposal to save the Illinois horse racing industry passes Senate

Lake County Senators release joint statement on Warren Township High School incident

GURNEE — Lake County State Senators Mary Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake), Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following joint statement regarding a pursuit of individuals involving federal agents near Warren Township High School in Gurnee on Thursday:

“Our community deserves safety, transparency and respect — not reckless behavior that endangers children and residents. Today’s event made it clear that federal agents were not taking residents’ safety into consideration, resulting in a reckless high-speed chase during a time when children were being dropped off at school.

“What is especially alarming is the way the situation was handled so close to a school. There is already anxiety and fear surrounding federal agents coming into our neighborhoods and taking our friends and neighbors with no due process, exceeding their lawful scope. No one should have to live their lives afraid of their safety and well-being. 

Read more: Lake County Senators release joint statement on Warren Township High School incident

Senator Fine legislation addressing foster care liability coverage passes the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – In order to protect community based foster care agencies from the increasing costs and the decreasing availability of liability insurance, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to analyze the current foster care liability insurance landscape in Illinois.

“Foster care and adoption services must maintain liability coverage to operate in the state,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Without sustainable insurance options, these foster agencies are at risk of shutting down altogether.”

Read more: Senator Fine legislation addressing foster care liability coverage passes the Senate

Hastings insurance reform legislation passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance.

"With this legislation, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the system," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Here is what this means for Illinois homeowners — no more surprise renewals, no more fine print, no more ‘gotcha’ letters in the mail.”

Read more: Hastings insurance reform legislation passes Senate