Villivalam: Expanding health coverage will keep all communities healthy

­CHICAGO – To make essential health services accessible to immigrant and refugee communities, State Senator Ram Villivalam supported a measure to expand Medicaid-like benefits to non-citizens down to age 42 that was signed into law on Friday.

“As we were reminded over the course of the pandemic, our collective public health requires that all our neighbors be covered, regardless of immigrant status,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding health care coverage to as many people as possible will keep all our communities safe and healthy as we continue to recover.”

Read more: Villivalam: Expanding health coverage will keep all communities healthy

Joyce: Governors State University will receive $450,000 grant for workforce recovery

UNIVERSITY PARK – Governors State University will receive $450,000 for workforce recovery efforts as part of a $20 million state investment with support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“During my time in the General Assembly, I have been a strong advocate for more resources for job training so that our upcoming workforce has the means to be successful,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This grant will provide GSU students with additional opportunities.”

A total of 44 community-based organizations will receive Job Training and Economic Development Program grants, which aim to expand access to workforce training services and support for unemployed or underemployed Illinois citizens.

Read more: Joyce: Governors State University will receive $450,000 grant for workforce recovery

Loughran Cappel commends new law investing in child care for first responders

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Loughran Cappel supported a plan that was signed into law investing in child care services for workers with non-traditional schedules, such as law enforcement officers, freighters, EMS personnel and more.

“Finding high quality, dependable, and affordable child care for children can be a challenge for any working parent, but is especially difficult for first responders and other third shift emergency workers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’m thrilled that this new law will help fund child care for parents in public service working non-traditional hours so they can have peace of mind when they are serving our communities.”

Read more: Loughran Cappel commends new law investing in child care for first responders

New Joyce supported law encourages the purchase of Illinois-made vehicles

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now have an added incentive to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce signed this month. 

“The new law supports vehicles manufactured right here in Illinois,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I have an Illinois first mentality when it comes to supporting new legislation.”

Illinoisans purchasing cars and passenger trucks manufactured in-state will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title under Senate Bill 3609. Consumers would have one year from the month the vehicle was manufactured to apply for the rebate.

“This is good for our economy, it encourages the purchase of goods manufactured here in Illinois,” said Joyce. 

The legislation will go into effect Jan. 1, 2023.