Murphy’s law makes library resources more accessible for Illinois childre
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SPRINGFIELD – Children living in unincorporated areas will no longer have to pay large non-resident fees to access resources in libraries outside of their district, thanks to a law led by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).
“It is long past time to increase access to library materials for our children who need to succeed and learn by reading,” Murphy said. “This law will ensure all children—regardless of where they live—will be able to gain knowledge through their local libraries.”
Currently, children who want to access resources from a library outside of their district must pay a non-resident fee. These fees are determined by each library’s board of trustees, and typically are at least equal to the cost paid by the residents of the district. However, the fees are often far too expensive for children who want to access resources, like reading materials or computers, during their school breaks. Murphy aims to address these disparities by waiving non-resident library fees for kids who want to expand their horizons through reading.
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New Simmons law to strengthen lead mitigation procedures
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CHICAGO - To protect communities across Illinois from the deadly impact of lead, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) passed a law signed on Friday to strengthen lead mitigation procedures.
“Almost every community across the state is affected by lead in the water supply,” said Simmons. “This law provides an effective and expeditious solution to a decades-long problem that systemically affects low-income communities and communities of color.”
House Bill 4369 will require the Illinois Department of Public Health to follow up on lead mitigation notices by carrying out inspections to ensure the work has been completed. The past law merely permitted an inspection, while this measure will require and enforce lead mitigation efforts.
Read more: New Simmons law to strengthen lead mitigation procedures
Loughran Cappel’s measure to reduce vehicle registration fee becomes law
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SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans will see a reduced registration fee under a new law by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.
“As inflation inches higher, some older adults worry about the rising cost of necessities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This new law offers a reduction in cost for a vehicle fee for older adults living on a limited income.”
The law will reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.
Read more: Loughran Cappel’s measure to reduce vehicle registration fee becomes law
FFA Chapters get a boost thanks to Senator Joyce
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SPRINGFIELD – Future Farmers of America chapters across Illinois will soon see more financial assistance thanks to grants that would be paid out through the Future Farmers of America Fund created through legislation sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce.
“As lifetime FFA member myself, I am proud to champion legislation that has full support across the board,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “FFA taught me so many valuable lessons that I still hold and apply to my life as a farmer and state senator – and I want to provide those same opportunities for other students across our state.”
House Bill 5400 also allows the Illinois Secretary of State to issue FFA universal specialty license plates. The funds collected from the distribution of the decals will then go into the Future Farmers of America Fund. Anyone can apply for and be issued one of the plates for an additional $25 to their standard vehicle registration fee. For the original issuance, $10 will go to the FFA Fund, and for renewals $23 will go to the fund.
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