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Porfirio Rooftop SafetySPRINGFIELD — A new initiative by State Senator Mike Porfirio could improve safety for thousands of first responders across Illinois, following the tragic passing of Andrew Price, a Chicago firefighter who fell through a light shaft while fearlessly suppressing a fire on the roof of a restaurant.

“First responders like Andrew risk their lives for us every day,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We owe it to him and all those who serve us to take any steps we can to improve their safety.”

Porfirio’s proposed bill targets the risks firefighters face as they traverse roofs with light shafts, open courts and skylights. The bill would require roof openings to be covered or for a parapet to be built around them to increase their safety. The bill also would require local municipalities to complete a survey of buildings under their jurisdiction to share with local police and fire departments. Existing buildings with flat roof openings would be integrated over time and not require immediate modifications.

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Faraci SB1548SPRINGFIELD – Every second counts when a loved one goes missing, but for individuals with developmental disabilities, finding them quickly can be even more challenging. State Senator Paul Faraci is aiming to change that by creating the Golden Search Awareness Program, ensuring families, caregivers and communities have the tools and awareness necessary to bring missing people home safely.

“When someone with a developmental disability goes missing, time and awareness are critical,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This legislation will ensure law enforcement, families and the public know how to respond, giving our most vulnerable neighbors a better chance at being found quickly and safely.”

Currently, Illinois relies on broad alert systems such as the AMBER Alert and Silver Alert, which do not always account for the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Faraci’s measure would establish a Golden Search Task Force, which would work to implement a statewide awareness program in coordination with the Endangered Missing Person Advisory. This initiative would help educate communities, law enforcement and organizations that support individuals with disabilities, making certain they know how to recognize and respond when someone with developmental disabilities goes missing.

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Sen. Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura is spearheading efforts to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As we grapple with the effects of climate change, such as abnormally large and powerful storms, we must invest in climate resilience projects to protect Illinoisans from future disasters.”

Senate Bill 2306 aims to expand the scope of clean energy projects under the Climate Bank Loan Financing Act to include storm resilience, nature-based solutions, and water and climate risk mitigation. This may include federal or other funds that can be used for clean water, drinking water, and wastewater treatment, or climate resilience projects.

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Sen. Cervantes

SPRINGFIELD – With an underrepresentation of BIPOC mental health providers in Illinois, State Senator Javier Cervantes led legislation through committee to encourage students of color to enter this important field by establishing a scholarship program.

“If you do not feel comfortable to open up and be vulnerable in therapy, you will not be able to make much progress—and many people do not feel comfortable explaining their struggles to someone outside of their racial or cultural background,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This bill is all about reducing the barriers for people of color to access and benefit from mental health care.”

According to surveys conducted by the Behavioral Health Workforce Center, there is a drastic underrepresentation of people of color in Illinois' mental health workforce. Additionally, nearly 75% of providers offered services exclusively in English. This negatively affects mental health outcomes of people of color by deterring them from seeking service out of fear or previous experiences with a provider not being able to offer the most helpful coping strategies, as they do not fully understand their lived experiences and root causes of trauma. Barriers in understanding due to language or cultural background can also cause issues in effectiveness of treatment.

More Articles …

  1. Glowiak Hilton bill to equip women with fertility information
  2. Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus stood with home care workers in fight for living wage
  3. Morrison outlines plan to strengthen state’s response to human trafficking
  4. Villa advances measure to end discriminatory disciplining in schools

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