Illinois targets SNAP benefit fraud, thanks to Senator Hunter

SPRINGFIELD — Under a new law championed by State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Human Services will collect data on the frequency of stolen SNAP benefits. This comes in response to widespread reports of identity fraud leaving Illinois residents without needed funds to purchase groceries and other necessities.

"SNAP benefits are a lifeline for many Illinois families, and it's important that we do everything we can to ensure these benefits reach those who need them most," said Hunter (D-Chicago). "This new law will help us do that by shining a light on the scope of the problem and helping us develop more effective solutions."

Read more: Illinois targets SNAP benefit fraud, thanks to Senator Hunter

Fentanyl education expanded in high schools thanks to Senator Ellman

SPRINGFIELD – Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, high school students will be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“In order to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic on all fronts we need to educate our most vulnerable populations, which includes young people,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The age of fentanyl exposure is younger than we think. Educating high school students on the dangers of fentanyl in their health classes is the next step in ending the opioid epidemic.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

Read more: Fentanyl education expanded in high schools thanks to Senator Ellman

Joyce law to increase fire prevention education among children

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Patrick Joyce that would bring more fire prevention education to children across the state was signed into law Friday.

“There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to fire education, such as the importance of smoke detectors, having updated escape plans and knowing what to do in case of a fire,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By teaching children at an early age, we can help prevent fire tragedies and ensure children are prepared in case of an emergency.”

This new law will create positions of certified youth firesetter interventionists in the Division of Arson Investigation within the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Read more: Joyce law to increase fire prevention education among children

Villa initiative to alleviate statewide nurse shortage signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa that addresses the shortage of nurses in health care facilities across Illinois was signed into law Friday. 

“The ongoing nurse shortage in our state demands our immediate attention,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Our nurses are the backbone of our health care system, and we owe it to them and our communities to address this issue with urgency. By empowering the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center to look for ways to address the shortage, our hope is this new law will help us retain and recruit nurses throughout our state.”

The growing scarcity of nurses in Illinois, especially in Southern Illinois, hurts patients and existing nurses who have to work without a full staff in some cases. Nurses are a critical part of health care and make up the largest portion of health care professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed from 2020 to 2030.

Read more: Villa initiative to alleviate statewide nurse shortage signed into law