ISDC

Details: Wednesday, April 06, 2022 10:35 AM

Senator Murphy 5 4 2021 SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is strongly supporting the Illinois State Democrats’ package of initiatives focused on supporting law enforcement officers and improving the state’s criminal justice system.

“Law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” Murphy said. “I am proud to support legislation aiming to keep them safe in the line of duty, and make sure they have the tools they need to address rising crime rates.”

Among the measures Murphy supports are: House Bill 4608, which allows grants for body cameras to cover storage of video data, and House Bill 3893 allows investigators to continue recording conversations for qualified sex and drug offenders.

Simmons measure to create Agriculture Equity Commission passes committee

Details: Tuesday, April 05, 2022 04:11 PM

Senator Simmons

SPRINGFIELD – To better recognize the historic injustices that Black farmers face in the agriculture industry, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to create the Agriculture Equity Commission.

“We are taking the right steps to correct the intergenerational and well-documented discrimination experienced by Black farmers,” Simmons said. “My goal is to see this commission address the root issues and find actional solutions to give Black farmers justice.”

The commission would reflect representation of socially disadvantaged communities, businesses, and farmers, and include academics, policy experts, and legislators who are experienced in agriculture and related matters.

Joyce advocates for law enforcement

Details: Tuesday, April 05, 2022 03:21 PM

Senator Joyce

SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), the Illinois Senate Democrats joined police advocates Monday to unveil a legislative package aimed at supporting law enforcement officers and improving the state’s criminal justice system.

“The law enforcement community protect us every day. This package of pro-law enforcement legislation will protect them by creating new grant opportunities, offer investigative resources and help to retain officers,” Joyce said

To help promote fair compensation across the state, House Bill 4228 requires a county sheriffs’ salary to equal at least 80% of the county’s state’s attorney’s salary. House Bill 3863 creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to support departments through the hiring and training processes and improve retention strategies.

Senate adopts Crowe’s plan to require insurance coverage for genetic testing kits for at-risk women

Details: Tuesday, April 05, 2022 03:17 PM

Senator Crowe

SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the detection process and determine hereditary risks for breast and ovarian cancers in women, the Illinois Senate approved a plan championed by State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) to require insurance companies to cover the cost of genetic testing kits.

“Early detection through genetic testing is essential for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers,” Crowe said. “By offering genetic testing at no cost, Illinois could offer comfort and stability to individuals who are at the most risk.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the genes most commonly affected in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. About 3% of breast cancers, approximately 7,500 women per year, and 10% of ovarian cancers, an estimated 2,000 women per year, result from inherited mutations.

Follow ILSenDems

Member News

Faraci applauds Vermilion Advantage awarded grant for economic recovery and resiliency planning

DANVILLE – State Senator Paul Faraci is pleased to announce that Vermilion Advantage has been awarded $80,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Local Technical Assistance program. “As a strong partner in Verm...

Read more...
Guzmán measure to protect right to collective bargaining in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — As a union organizer and strong protector of worker’s rights, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is proud to advance legislation that would further protect working Illinoisans, and their right to collective bargaining. “Laborers in Chicago la...

Read more...
Simmons Passes Bill through Senate to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety

SPRINGFIELD – To provide the safest conditions possible for cyclists, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to update sign requirements on bike trails where there are known hazards. “Improved signage around pathway hazards or emergencies is...

Read more...
Porfirio recognizes Emmett Till Day, welcomes relatives of Till to the Capitol

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio welcomed relatives of Emmett Till to the Illinois Capitol in honor of the declaration of Emmett Till Day. “On Emmett Till Day, we mourn the loss of Emmett and recognize the significance his death played in th...

Read more...
Holmes advances measure to protect gray foxes in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ measure to keep a closer watch on Illinois’ gray foxes moved a step nearer to becoming law on Thursday. The gray fox population in Illinois and much of the Midwest has been declining over the last 30 years, pr...

Read more...