Halpin measure to keep track of Illinois student loan market passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of higher student debt for many in Illinois and across the country, State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to keep track of the private student loan borrowing market has passed the Senate.

“With the Trump administration placing caps on federal lending for student borrowers, we need to keep track of where the Illinois student loan market is at,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Monitoring student loan default rates and loans with cosigners will give us a clearer picture of how students are doing with their debt and what actions Illinois can make to assist them.”

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Johnson passes measure to expand access to life-saving asthma medication at Illinois schools

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson has passed legislation to ensure students experiencing asthma attacks can access life-saving medication where they are most needed.

“By keeping asthma medication in gyms and practice fields, we allow students to participate in sports and activities without worrying about access to medication,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Quick access to life-saving medication can make all the difference in an emergency.”

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Ellman bill to ensure fair access to digital discounts

SPRINGFIELD – Digital coupons have become more common; however, not all consumers can easily access them. State Senator Laura Ellman is combatting this with House Bill 45 to ensure eligible consumers receive the benefits of digital promotions when they meet the stated terms.

“People shouldn’t miss out on savings because a promotion isn’t accessible,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “If it’s offered, it should be usable to all, especially when a digital coupon can make a difference when buying in bulk with increasing grocery prices.”

House Bill 45 would require retailers offering digital promotions to provide a way for eligible consumers to redeem them, including options like automatic discounts, point-of-sale assistance, QR codes or receipt submission. Additionally, the proposed measure would preserve flexibility for businesses and would not require paper coupons or changes to loyalty programs.

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Guzmán cracks 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.

“This measure is about restoring fairness, transparency and accountability to our housing market by cracking down on AI-driven rent fixing schemes that undermine competition and exploit renters,” said Guzmán. “I’m proud to have worked alongside partners at the city, state and local levels to confront the growing abuse of algorithmic pricing tools and put people ahead of corporate greed.” 

Read more: Guzmán cracks down on landlords and AI corporations