Peters measure to help youth in state care transition to adulthood passes Senate

Springfield- Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to receiving the financial resources they need to be ready for adulthood thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“I’m pleased that we are one step closer to ensuring that the state will be proactive at helping youth in care build a strong future during their final years of care,” Peters said. “We need to do all we can to ensure that they have access to a financial head start before they have to live on their own.”

Senate Bill 3470 would require DCFS to save or invest a minimum percentage of a youth's benefits once they reach the age of 14. This will ensure that when DCFS no longer serves as the financial representative of the youth, they will have some money to help them transition into a successful adult life.

Read more: Peters measure to help youth in state care transition to adulthood passes Senate

Bennett delivers more than 1,000 valentines to long-term care residents in Danville

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) visited area long-term care facilities in Danville Monday to deliver Valentine’s Day cards written by students and community members across Vermilion County as part of his card collection drive.  

“It’s been such a joy delivering these heartfelt valentines to our long-term care residents this Valentine’s Day,” Bennett said. “This collection drive was a community effort, and its success is a testament to the compassionate hearts of our neighbors who have been so generous with their time and talents to spread love to these folks this year.”

Read more: Bennett delivers more than 1,000 valentines to long-term care residents in Danville

Connor’s measure to keep clean water affordable and accessible advances

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) to ensure clean water is accessible to all communities was recently advanced out of committee.

“Safe and unpolluted water should be affordable for all families, especially during the ongoing pandemic,” Connor said. “Prioritizing clean water in our communities is prioritizing the health of our local residents.”

Senate Bill 3905 would create the Municipal Water and Wastewater Funding Study Committee to study and make recommendations regarding any necessary changes to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency or Illinois Pollution Control Board policies as they relate to municipal water and wastewater funding across the state.

Read more: Connor’s measure to keep clean water affordable and accessible advances

Measure by Ellman to establish Illinois as a Hydrogen Hub advances out of committee

SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) to establish a Hydrogen Economy Task Force in Illinois advanced out of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday.

"Through the establishment of our Hydrogen Economy Task Force, we set Illinois on track to become a hydrogen powerhouse in the Midwest, and nationwide,” Ellman said. “As a center of a potential Midwest Hydrogen Hub, we can harness our excess energy in the state to generate hydrogen, and in turn use it to support the agricultural, refining, and transportation industries in Illinois and across the Midwest.  Hydrogen Hub investment means innovation and good jobs.”

Read more: Measure by Ellman to establish Illinois as a Hydrogen Hub advances out of committee