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Feigenholtz celebrates record-breaking tourism surge in Illinois

Feigenholtz celebrates record-breaking tourism surge in Illinois

Turner law addresses police hiring practices in response to Sonya Massey murder

Turner law addresses police hiring practices in response to Sonya Massey murder

Drinking water for thousands of Illinoisans to be protected under Faraci law

Drinking water for thousands of Illinoisans to be protected under Faraci law

Ellman measure to strengthen Illinois gun storage becomes law

Ellman measure to strengthen Illinois gun storage becomes law

Collins law helps residents deal with criminal trespassing

Collins law helps residents deal with criminal trespassing

Guzmán advances affordable housing measure, incentivizes purchase of community land trusts

Details
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 06:17 PM

sb1261committee

SPRINGFIELD —Thanks to a new initiative from State Senator Graciela Guzmán to expand the accepted payment plans for homes through community land trusts, more people may soon have the opportunity to become homeowners.

“Housing is a human right. We should be doing everything in our power to make it more affordable and accessible for everyday Illinoisans, including homeownership,” said Guzmán. “Community land trusts are a great pathway to make the dream of homeownership a reality and allow for folks to have more stability in their living situation. I am excited that this initiative will work to make this method of landownership more common, and to continue to build on the ingenuity of their model.”

Community land trusts, or CLTs, are community-based, nonprofit organizations that manage a parcel of land to preserve long-term affordability of homes created through subsidies. CLTs sell homes on the land they manage at affordable prices to a qualifying homebuyer. Oftentimes, they place limits on the incomes of people looking to purchase homes to ensure affordable housing is going to people in the most financial need. Driven by constituents, for constituents, this model aims to keep folks in the community that may otherwise be priced out by corporate rent and mortgage rates. 

Read more: Guzmán advances affordable housing measure, incentivizes purchase of community land trusts

Porfirio takes initiative to improve rooftop safety for first responders

Details
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 06:01 PM

Porfirio Rooftop SafetySPRINGFIELD — A new initiative by State Senator Mike Porfirio could improve safety for thousands of first responders across Illinois, following the tragic passing of Andrew Price, a Chicago firefighter who fell through a light shaft while fearlessly suppressing a fire on the roof of a restaurant.

“First responders like Andrew risk their lives for us every day,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We owe it to him and all those who serve us to take any steps we can to improve their safety.”

Porfirio’s proposed bill targets the risks firefighters face as they traverse roofs with light shafts, open courts and skylights. The bill would require roof openings to be covered or for a parapet to be built around them to increase their safety. The bill also would require local municipalities to complete a survey of buildings under their jurisdiction to share with local police and fire departments. Existing buildings with flat roof openings would be integrated over time and not require immediate modifications.

Read more: Porfirio takes initiative to improve rooftop safety for first responders

Faraci measure to protect missing individuals with developmental disabilities

Details
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 05:53 PM

Faraci SB1548SPRINGFIELD – Every second counts when a loved one goes missing, but for individuals with developmental disabilities, finding them quickly can be even more challenging. State Senator Paul Faraci is aiming to change that by creating the Golden Search Awareness Program, ensuring families, caregivers and communities have the tools and awareness necessary to bring missing people home safely.

“When someone with a developmental disability goes missing, time and awareness are critical,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This legislation will ensure law enforcement, families and the public know how to respond, giving our most vulnerable neighbors a better chance at being found quickly and safely.”

Currently, Illinois relies on broad alert systems such as the AMBER Alert and Silver Alert, which do not always account for the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Faraci’s measure would establish a Golden Search Task Force, which would work to implement a statewide awareness program in coordination with the Endangered Missing Person Advisory. This initiative would help educate communities, law enforcement and organizations that support individuals with disabilities, making certain they know how to recognize and respond when someone with developmental disabilities goes missing.

Read more: Faraci measure to protect missing individuals with developmental disabilities

Clean energy projects in state would receive additional funding under Ventura bill

Details
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 03:13 PM

Sen. Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura is spearheading efforts to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As we grapple with the effects of climate change, such as abnormally large and powerful storms, we must invest in climate resilience projects to protect Illinoisans from future disasters.”

Senate Bill 2306 aims to expand the scope of clean energy projects under the Climate Bank Loan Financing Act to include storm resilience, nature-based solutions, and water and climate risk mitigation. This may include federal or other funds that can be used for clean water, drinking water, and wastewater treatment, or climate resilience projects.

Read more: Clean energy projects in state would receive additional funding under Ventura bill

More Articles …

  1. Cervantes bill supports diverse students entering mental health professions
  2. Glowiak Hilton bill to equip women with fertility information
  3. Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus stood with home care workers in fight for living wage
  4. Morrison outlines plan to strengthen state’s response to human trafficking
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  • Loughran Cappel law enhances efficiency by merging Southeast Joliet Sanitary District to city operations
    Loughran Cappel law enhances efficiency by merging Southeast Joliet Sanitary District to city operations
    SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will streamline local municipal services, allowing the city of Joliet to absorb the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District. “Joliet is well equipped to ensure a smooth transition between th...

    Read more...

  • Peters’ law reinforces DCFS as family support agency
    Peters’ law reinforces DCFS as family support agency
    SPRINGFIELD — To reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters led a new law to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency. “Families who are in need of DCFS’ s...

    Read more...

  • State commission to strengthen public health preparedness established under Morrison law
    State commission to strengthen public health preparedness established under Morrison law
    SPRINGFIELD — With increasing threats to public health emerging from the intersection of human, animal and environmental factors, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison will create the One Health Commission — a unique collaboration amo...

    Read more...

  • Edly-Allen law creates certified therapy dog crisis response program
    Edly-Allen law creates certified therapy dog crisis response program
    SPRINGFIELD – The use of therapy dogs to aid people struggling with PTSD and anxiety has steadily increased nationwide. Over 50,000 therapy dogs are in service today. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen championed a law that will increase the number of the...

    Read more...

  • Halpin bill to protect local auctioneers signed into law
    Halpin bill to protect local auctioneers signed into law
    SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s effort to protect rural auctioneers was signed into law Friday. “We are working to protect local and rural auctioneers from unregulated online auctions and give bidders peace of mind when they make their tran...

    Read more...

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