Koehler announces Peoria selected to offer Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced Tuesday that older adults in Peoria will soon benefit from the newly-launched Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which will expand options for community-based care and allow eligible seniors to continue living safely at home.

“PACE will create for Illinois seniors a holistic and locally-based option that provides quality, integrated care,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The option to continue living safely in the community will greatly enhance the quality of life for Illinois seniors who enroll in the program.”

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Animal advocate Holmes applauds IDOA action on pet stores skirting new puppy mill regulations

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has sent petitions of license revocation to three pet shops in Illinois operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), sponsor of House Bill 1711, commends this effort and released the following statement: 

“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters.

“Some store owners have attempted to skirt the new regulations, but the Illinois Department of Agriculture has investigated and is acting to potentially revoke their licenses. IDOA is working to ensure compliance with this and other laws that keep animals safe, and I commend their efforts in this matter.

“The newly-updated business model is growing across the U.S., and stores that follow this trend are continuing to succeed without selling poorly bred pets with a myriad of health problems and at exorbitant prices. All types of businesses must comply with regulations, and that includes pet shops.”

Holmes has a long and successful legislative record of measures related to animal health and welfare throughout her career in the Illinois Senate.

Cards for Cooper: Senator Morrison collects cards for 8-year-old wounded in 4th of July mass shooting

HIGHLAND PARK – Cooper Roberts went to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade with his family, excited to celebrate the day. However, after a gunman opened fire on the parade – shooting 8-year-old Cooper in the chest – he was left paralyzed from the waist down.

To show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process, Senator Morrison is collecting store bought and handmade cards that she will then deliver to Cooper’s family.

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Lightford continues to promote equity for working families through promotion of sales tax holiday

BROADVIEW – As a champion of education and equity, Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), Illinois Senate Majority Leader, joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to promote the state’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing that will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As the cost-of-living rises, the School Sales Tax Holiday will give students the opportunity they deserve to be well-prepared for a successful school year,” Lightford said.  “Back to school time can be stressful enough for disadvantaged families, and this year Illinois is assisting all residents with some financial relief for the betterment of our students’ educational careers.” 

Senate Bill 157 lowers the state tax rate on clothes and school supplies by 5% for 10 days. The 10-day for the tax relief will begin on Aug. 5 and end on Aug. 14. Qualifying purchases include certain school supplies, clothing, and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item.

Read more: Lightford continues to promote equity for working families through promotion of sales tax holiday