Hastings advances measure to make schools safer

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is sponsoring a measure that would ensure schools have standardized plans and procedures in the event of a safety threat.

“Across the country we are seeing a rise in emergency events at schools,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is concerning to see that there is no standardized procedure for schools to follow if an emergency occurs.”

Senate Bill 2057 would require the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The bill would allow ISBE and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans.

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Morrison fights for veterans’ food security

SPRINGFIELD — Despite dedicating their time and safety to serve our country, over 11% of veterans face food insecurity in the U.S. — an issue State Senator Julie Morrison looks to remedy through legislation that will help more Illinois military families access food benefits.

“I’ve seen veterans in my district who are forced to rely on food pantries because their household doesn’t qualify for SNAP benefits,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Veterans served our state and our nation — they should be able to access the resources they need to live comfortably.”

Morrison’s measure, Senate Bill 32, would raise the income level at which households with a veteran or member of the Armed Forces would be eligible for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Under current law, households without seniors or individuals with disabilities must have a gross income at or below 165% of the federal poverty guidelines — for a family of four, this would be a monthly income limit of $4,290 for Fiscal Year 2025. Senate Bill 32 proposes raising this threshold to 200% of the poverty level for veterans and military families, which would bring the monthly income limit to $5,200.

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Preston holds press conference on measure to enhance speech therapy coverage for stuttering

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Willie Preston along with fellow legislators and advocates gathered to emphasize the importance of requiring health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“I am dedicated to providing essential speech therapy services to all Illinoisans across the state regardless of their economic status, “said Preston (D-Chicago). “It not only will benefit their speech, but it will also help build their confidence.”

Senate Bill 40 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering for those covered by private or public insurance plans.

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Feigenholtz: Cameras are for safety, not for profit

CHICAGO — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to add up to 50 speed cameras across Chicago:

“The city’s budget should never be balanced on the backs of Chicagoans, particularly when it comes to speed cameras. Cameras are for safety — not for profit. If the administration is interested in speed cameras, it should review the crash data on its website for DuSable Lake Shore Drive, where there have been over 15,000 vehicle crashes since 2015. The data is clear and it should be guiding our decisions.

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