CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci and the U.S. Economic Development Administration announced approximately $51 million for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub.
“I am thrilled to see the iFAB Tech Hub receive this funding,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This investment emphasizes the importance of promoting cutting-edge research and development in our state. We are paving the way for projects and services that will benefit our communities and economy for generations to come.”
The iFAB Tech Hub, led by the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Labortory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, unites over 30 partners from academia, industry and government in Central Illinois to meet the growing demand for fermentation in biomanufacturing. Funding for the hub will be allocated through a Phase 2 Implementation grant to support infrastructure development and industry partnerships, positioning Illinois as a leader in precision fermentation.
Read more: Faraci applauds $51 million investment to UIUC-led iFAB tech hub
CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law will provide relief to more than 300,000 residents burdened by medical debt.
“Countless households and families will finally experience the long-awaited relief from extremely burdensome debts,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The Medical Debt Relief Act will have a profoundly broad impact on people across our state who are struggling with medical debt. At least 90% of Illinoisans burdened by medical debt live under 400% of the federal poverty level. This law will allow people to live a more prosperous life.”
A component of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, Simmons’ law will alleviate medical debt for Illinoisans through the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program — easing financial strain and promoting economic stability for individuals and families across the state. To qualify for the program, individuals must have a household income below 400% of the federal poverty level or possess medical debt amounting to 5% or more of their annual household income.
Read more: Simmons Law to Erase Medical Debt for Low-Income Households
SPRINGFIELD – Consumers will now have protection against adverse medical debt reporting, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman.
“We have taken a crucial step to protect our residents from the undue hardships caused by medical debt,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This is a positive step toward ensuring no one will have to suffer the long-term financial consequences of medical emergencies that are beyond their control. This law is about fairness and compassion, and it reflects our commitment to standing up for the rights of others.”
The law aims to address the growing concern over the impact of medical debt on consumers’ credit scores. Medical debt, often incurred through no fault of the consumer, has been a leading cause of financial distress, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and hindering their access to credit and essential services.
Read more: Stadelman law safeguards consumers from medical debt
SPRINGFIELD – Career and technical education teachers will now be granted tenure under a new law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.
“I’ve been a strong advocate for CTE, which gives students the opportunity to receive a hands-on academic experience,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “With the ongoing teacher shortage, we need to ensure CTE teachers receive the benefits they are entitled to and deserve.”
Senate Bill 463 allows CTE teachers to be granted tenure if they have a license with credentials. Loughran Cappel’s law aims to expand tenure eligibility from only educators with a Professional Educator License to include CTE teachers.
Read more: Loughran Cappel law allows career and technical education teachers to be granted tenure
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