Simmons’ bill to make filling vacant elected offices more transparent passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – As one of his first acts after being appointed to represent the 7th Illinois Senate District, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation out of the Senate Thursday to require that meetings to fill a vacancy in the General Assembly be recorded and broadcast by electronic means for public consumption. The bill also requires election authorities to notify the public of all proceedings related to appointments in the future.
“The appointment process established by the state constitution is intended to ensure representation during interim periods when an official retires or is incapable of serving,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It’s our duty to ensure Illinois citizens have as much input and transparency as possible in the process.”
Read more: Simmons’ bill to make filling vacant elected offices more transparent passes Senate
Villanueva seeks to protect college students from predatory planning servicers
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SPRINGFIELD – To protect first-generation college students from predatory business practices, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate that would create transparency and fairer guidelines for educational planning services.
“Companies that prey on first-generation and low-income students must be held accountable,” Villanueva said. “I am committed to empowering our state agencies to reel in these bad actors.”
Read more: Villanueva seeks to protect college students from predatory planning servicers
Hastings measure giving airline employees sick time flexibility passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) passed legislation through the Senate Wednesday that would allow airline employees to use earned sick time to care for loved ones.
“Forcing hard-working individuals to make a choice between their livelihood and their family is morally bankrupt,” Hastings said. “Numerous corporations throughout America have figured this out, and it is time airlines follow suit.”
Read more: Hastings measure giving airline employees sick time flexibility passes Senate
Bush measure to allow people with mental health conditions to bypass ER passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD -- When a person with a mental health condition calls 911, they don’t always need the hospital – but are typically taken to an emergency room rather than the mental health facility they require. State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) lead a measure through the Senate that would change that by allowing EMS workers to take patients where they’ll most benefit.
“Imagine going through a mental health crisis, then being taken to an emergency room, rather than a place that can actually help you,” Bush said. “That’s going to cause anger and frustration – let alone waste time that could be used to begin treatment.”
Read more: Bush measure to allow people with mental health conditions to bypass ER passes Senate
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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... -
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... -
SPRINGFIELD – With human trafficking on the rise around the country and across the state, State Senator Mike Halpin’s effort to address the growing blight was signed into law Friday. “By empowering local governments to ensure local businesses are giv... -
SPRINGFIELD – Landowners and farmers will now have more flexibility when it comes to hunting on their own property after legislation from State Senator Patrick Joyce was signed into law on Friday. “People only get so much time in a season to get out... -
SPRINGFIELD — A severe rooftop safety hazard for Illinois firefighters will be mended thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Mike Porfirio. “This is a profound advancement for the safety of Illinois firefighters,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Town...
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