Villanueva joins state effort to reduce domestic violence

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva, a longtime advocate of working to reduce domestic violence and provide survivors with resources, was appointed to the Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee.

“In the blink of an eye, someone’s life can devastatingly be taken at the hands of another,” said Villanueva. “As a legislator, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of survivors of domestic abuse and further work to lower the rates in which people’s lives are tragically lost in domestic violence situations.

Under the direction of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee is designed to provide resources that will allow anyone directly affected by domestic violence related fatalities and or any form of abuse, to get the help that need. 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence “In Illinois alone, 41.5% of women and 25.9% of men experience domestic violence at the hands of an intimate partner, family member or someone they know.”

Read more: Villanueva joins state effort to reduce domestic violence

Turner applauds area manufacturers during Manufacturing Month

SPRINGFIELD – During Manufacturing Month, State Senator Doris Turner highlights the importance of manufacturing in Illinois.

“Our state’s manufacturers drive our region’s economy,” said Turner. “The 48^th District is lucky to be home to many up and coming businesses that ensure our state meets the demands of our global economy.”

The manufacturing industry supports $580 billion in annual economic impact and is the largest growing sector in Illinois. Manufacturers across the state employ more than 662,000 men and women on factory floors, earning an average wage of more than $79,400 and 92% of employees receive employer sponsored health care.

Last month, Turner joined lawmakers and area stakeholders such as Richland Community College President Cris Valdez to award T/CCI Manufacturing in Decatur the state’s first Reimagining Electric Vehicles tax credit. 

Turner is happy to see the city welcome this innovative industry that will help generate good-paying jobs throughout the region.

Read more: Turner applauds area manufacturers during Manufacturing Month

Sen. Belt: We owe more to first responders killed in the line of duty

MARION – To support the families of fallen first responders, State Senator Christopher Belt joined Comptroller Susana Mendoza, downstate police, fire officials and families in Marion Thursday to advocate for a new state initiative to adequately fund line-of-duty benefits.

“Public safety officers and first responders have done much to protect their communities, and it’s right by them that they are honored for their sacrifice,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Family members of fallen first responders deserve financial protection as a standard.”

In each fiscal year budget, the General Assembly appropriates a line item for line-of-duty benefits, but in the event insufficient resources are available, Senate Bill 4229 and House Bill 5785 guarantees families receive their owed benefits. Senator Belt is the chief Senate sponsor of the initiative.

Read more: Sen. Belt: We owe more to first responders killed in the line of duty

Holmes, Ellman call for awareness and action to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer

AURORA – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the women of the Senate Democratic Caucus urge residents to check with their health care providers to learn more about the disease, discuss the risks and develop the right plan for breast cancer screenings -- because early detection can save lives.

Following skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.

“It is imperative we work as a community to educate friends and family on the significance for women to create a health plan that works with their lifestyle and history,” said State Senator Linda Holmes. “One in 8 women in the nation will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. We need to raise awareness and increase access for individuals to work with their doctors to learn about detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

Read more: Holmes, Ellman call for awareness and action to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer