Turner introduces measures in response to tragic murder of Sonya Massey
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner has introduced two measures in response to the murder of Sonya Massey last year.
“Sonya’s death should have never happened,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Since that fatal day, I have worked with state and county officials, law enforcement and community members to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Alongside Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, we created the Massey Commission to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations. Both of these measures came directly from the commission.”
Senate Bill 1953 would require law enforcement agencies to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer’s past employment to ensure his or her physical and psychological fitness for duty as a police officer before making an offer of employment. To ensure the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in the hiring process of sheriffs’ deputies and other personnel, the legislation would expand the creation of sheriff’s merit boards and sheriff’s merits commissions for counties with a population of at least 75,000.
Read more: Turner introduces measures in response to tragic murder of Sonya Massey
Hastings calls for comprehensive study on water access and sustainability in the south suburbs
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SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced his proposal for the creation of the Chicago Water Contracts Transparency Study, a critical initiative aimed at improving water sustainability and equity for the South Suburbs.
With many suburban municipalities over-relying on the City of Chicago for water access, Hastings is calling for a comprehensive study to assess current water distribution agreements, the impact of rising water rates, and explore alternative options for local control of water resources.
“Water sustainability may seem like a distant issue, but it’s only one or two generations away,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “In 50 years, my children will be addressing the public policy regarding water in our communities. We must act now to ensure that our water supply remains reliable, affordable, and fairly distributed for generations to come.”
Preston holds press conference of Food Safety Act to highlight bipartisan support
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SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate Public Health Committee’s approval of Senate Bill 93, State Senator Willie Preston joined fellow lawmakers and advocates at a press conference Wednesday to highlight his legislation to ban the use of harmful food additives.
“Consumers in Illinois should have full faith and trust in the foods and products they are consuming,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Right now, Illinoisans are consuming harmful products without realizing it. We must focus on consumer safety and offer clear directives to food manufactures in order to keep all of Illinois healthy.”
Senate Bill 93, better known as the Illinois Food Safety Act, would ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include potassium bromate and propylparaben.
Read more: Preston holds press conference of Food Safety Act to highlight bipartisan support
Villa measure addressing congenital syphilis cases advances
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure aimed at addressing the increase in congenital syphilis cases in Illinois.
“As congenital syphilis continues to rise in Illinois and across the country, this bill is important in advancing syphilis testing practices to ensure the health of a baby and the individual birthing them,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “It is incredibly important to catch syphilis while it is conventional and can be treated.”
Senate Bill 119 would require the second syphilis test conducted on pregnant individuals to be done between 27 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to ensure treatment can begin at least 30 days before delivery. The measure would also expand authorization to administer the test to health care professionals who are qualified in addition to physicians.
Read more: Villa measure addressing congenital syphilis cases advances
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