Ventura advances bill to bring economic, environmental benefits to area

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded new legislation that would lift the limits on hydropower plants.

Currently Illinois is ranked 46th in the nation when it comes to hydropower. With Senate Bill 1474 passing the Energy and Public Utility Committee Thursday, Ventura hopes to advance Illinois’ renewable energy sector.

“By having hydropower in our communities, we can increase jobs, lower the price of energy and protect our planet,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Supporting hydropower today will allow Illinoisans to reap economic and environmental rewards for decades to come.”

Under Ventura’s measure, the Illinois Power Agency would be required to procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams. This would help increase the use of this renewable energy source, while also promoting environmental conservation by using dams that already exist.

Read more: Ventura advances bill to bring economic, environmental benefits to area

Glowiak Hilton leads measure to address schools prohibiting clothing of cultural significance

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure that would ensure Illinois schools would allow articles of clothing that have cultural or religious significance for its students.

“We need to make sure future graduates and students have the opportunity to represent themselves the way they see fit,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Discrimination, of any kind, has no place in our schools.”

Students would be able to wear articles of clothing of cultural or religious significance in the classroom and at graduation ceremonies.

Read more: Glowiak Hilton leads measure to address schools prohibiting clothing of cultural significance

Sims protects consumers from credit card issues stemming from business closure

SPRINGFIELD – If a store closes due to bankruptcy or other shortcomings, customers who have credit cards with the company would not be negatively impacted under legislation being led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“A person’s credit score follows them everywhere,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “One credit card mishap can take years to recover from. Consumers must be protected.”

Under Senate Bill 2121, if a customer’s credit account is closed due to the business closing or inactivity on the account, the business must notify credit reporting agencies of the reasoning so it is not assumed the customer failed to pay the balance of the account.

Read more: Sims protects consumers from credit card issues stemming from business closure

Joyce-backed measure advances to promote environmental conservation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce co-sponsored a measure that would increase renewable energy procurement and promote environmental conservations by adding a framework to the Illinois Power Agency Act.

“Hydropower is a clean and reliable energy source that has the potential to help Illinois meet its renewable energy goals,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “However, we need to make sure that we are not encouraging the construction of new dams, because this can lead to negative impacts on our environment and natural resources.”

Under this legislation, the Illinois Power Agency would be required to procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams. This would help increase the use of this renewable energy source, while also promoting environmental conservation by using dams that already exist.

Read more: Joyce-backed measure advances to promote environmental conservation