Guzmán measure to establish Climate Displacement Task Force clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD — A task force on climate displacement and its impacts on Illinois may soon be established, thanks to legislation led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán.

“Whether we like it or not, climate change is real, and has started to displace thousands of folks from their homes because of the destruction it has brought globally,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This task force will help our state better prepare for an influx in residents fleeing environmental disaster so we can welcome new arrivals and not disrupt the lives of long-term Illinoisans.”

Climate displacement is the forced or voluntary migrations of people due to climate change or environmental degradation. With rising global water levels and more extreme weather events, Midwestern states like Illinois will see an increase in the number of people trying to escape these situations, both from other states and other nations. Without a plan in place to support the displaced individuals, there may be destabilizing impacts on the state’s infrastructure.

Read more: Guzmán measure to establish Climate Displacement Task Force clears Senate

Feigenholtz champions plan to study, improve safety on DuSable Lake Shore Drive

SPRINGFIELD — After repeatedly hearing from concerned community members and traffic safety advocates about vehicle crashes and fatalities along DuSable Lake Shore Drive, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a plan to address safety concerns on one of Chicago’s busiest traffic corridors.

“In just five years, DuSable Lake Shore Drive has seen over 16,000 crashes with 59 deaths and over 4,000 injuries,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “Traditional speed cameras that just ticket people don’t address the root problem. We need safety solutions that accomplish more by truly changing drivers’ behavior.”

Read more: Feigenholtz champions plan to study, improve safety on DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Senator Fine bill to expand transparency for health insurance plans passes the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation by State Senator Laura Fine to improve health insurance plan transparency for consumers passed out of the Senate today. The bill ensures consumers receive important information about changes to their insurance plans.

“Providing consumers with information about legislative changes to their health care plans can make a difference in their medical and financial planning,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Enrollees must have access to this essential information to ensure their medical needs are covered.”

Currently, health insurance providers are required to provide enrollees with a list of in-network providers and a description of their coverage annually upon request. Senate Bill 1346 would expand the list of required information to include any newly enacted state coverage mandates. The Illinois Department of Insurance would be required to post an annual report on its website with this information.

Read more: Senator Fine bill to expand transparency for health insurance plans passes the Senate

Guzmán measure incentivizing purchase of community land trusts one step closer to becoming law

SPRINGFIELD —More people may soon have the opportunity to become homeowners through community land trusts, thanks to a new initiative from State Senator Graciela Guzmán that passed the State Senate on Thursday.

“Community land trusts are a people-first plan driven by communal power that help give everyday folks the opportunity to become homeowners and build generational wealth,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “It’s important for us to make this model more commonplace, and continue to build on its ingenuity, and this legislation will help us on that path.”

Read more: Guzmán measure incentivizing purchase of community land trusts one step closer to becoming law