Guzmán supports renters by cracking down on landlords and AI corporations

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of sky-high rental costs in Chicago and across Illinois, Senator Graciela Guzmán is working to crack down on price fixing schemes landlords conduct using AI algorithms.

“Renters deserve a fair, transparent and accountable housing market,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “AI algorithms allow landlords to rig the market in their favor and gouge every dollar from families looking for a place to live. We need to crack down on AI-driven rent fixing schemes that hurt competition and renters.”

Read more: Guzmán supports renters by cracking down on landlords and AI corporations

Sims works to put guardrails on prison mail-scanning system

SPRINGFIELD — To protect incarcerated individuals’ access to communications with their loved ones, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a measure through the Senate to ensure they can’t be charged a fee to receive mail.

“When you have limited communication and contact with loved ones, every moment of human connection matters,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “No one should be able to make a profit from the disenfranchisement of others.”

Read more: Sims works to put guardrails on prison mail-scanning system

Ellman bill aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

SPRINGFIELD – To combat climate change and environmental degradation as well as provide food for students, State Senator Laura Ellman spearheaded legislation aimed at helping schools reduce food waste and ensure more students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.

“This is a simple, practical solution that helps schools reduce waste while making sure more students have access to the food they need to learn and thrive,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “In a state where one in eight people face food insecurity, we should be doing everything we can to make sure good food doesn’t go to waste.”

Read more: Ellman bill aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

Koehler measure to strengthen nursing home mental health reviews advances

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s legislation to improve oversight and follow-up care for nursing home residents has advanced out of the Senate.

“One of our most vulnerable population is our nursing home residents. Thoughtful care requires thoughtful polices,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) “With this measure, we are ensuring people living with serious mental illness within our nursing homes will receive the care required for them to safely be integrated back into their communities.”

House Bill 4509 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services or a designee to visit any individual admitted to a nursing home with a diagnosis of serious mental illness within 60 days of admission. It would also require a resident review within 72 hours when a resident with serious mental illness experiences a significant change in their physical or mental health. 

Read more: Koehler measure to strengthen nursing home mental health reviews advances