SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa attended a press conference with Representative Lakeisha Collins and Children’s Home & Aid regarding legislation that will provide a monthly diaper allowance for families who meet certain income thresholds.
“It is important to bring awareness to the diaper need within our communities,” said Villa (D- West Chicago). “Diapers are an essential household item for new parents, and while approximately 1 in 3 parents experience diaper need, caregivers in poverty are unable to purchase diapers with their SNAP or WIC benefits. I want to pass legislation that will address this gap.”
On average, 12 diapers are needed per day for infants and toddlers, which can add up to $80-100 spent per month on diapers. With inflation and the increasing cost of basic goods, diaper prices will weigh even heavier on struggling families. A diaper allowance will put money in the pockets of low-income families struggling to pay their bills.
PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler joined local leaders along with the Illinois Department of Transportation Tuesday to announce $24.6 million in improvements to Peoria’s Bob Michel Bridge through the Rebuild Illinois project.
The project includes installing new concrete and bridge joints to extend the life of the deck. The improvements will expand walkways and convert the five foot sidewalks into a 14 – foot path that is accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists in the community.
“These improvements to our bridge is vital for workers and residents throughout our community,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Residents of the greater Peoria area deserve safe transportation and high quality roads. These repairs provide opportunities for new jobs, economic development, and a brighter future for our community.”
Read more: Koehler announces $24.6 million improvement to Peoria’s Bob Michel Bridge
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons continued his fight for more funding for struggling families, during a press conference he attended with State Representative Marcus C. Evans Jr. and the Economic Security Project on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
“Working parents are struggling worse than ever before. It is time for the state to create a permanent Child Tax Credit that puts money back into the pockets of parents in Illinois, so that parents can take care of their children and communities can begin to recover,” said State Senator Mike Simmons (D- Chicago). “I am so proud to stand with this broad and diverse coalition of organizations and parents today to call for a permanent Child Tax Credit.”
Senator Simmons discussed legislation that will create a child tax credit, making Illinois one of the few states to have a state-level child tax credit.
Read more: Simmons fights for struggling families with new Child Tax Credit proposal
SPRINGFIELD – With a looming power shortage on the grid, Illinois received a major boost to its renewable energy sector thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham.
“There is an energy shortage in Illinois right now, and it is causing uncertainly, which leads prices to spike and potentially future brownouts,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation will help solve that problem by expanding renewable energy opportunities.”
The law aims to relax restrictive zoning regulations that have slowed wind and solar energy projects to a near stop in Illinois. Without this measure, the state would lose 17,000 construction jobs and over $8 billion in economic impact during construction.
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