Loughran Cappel measure to support mental health services advances

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce recidivism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) championed a measure to help fund mental health and substance use prevention services for incarcerated individuals and people scheduled for release from the criminal justice system.

“So many issues surrounding recidivism and our criminal justice system are rooted in mental health and substance use disorders,” Loughran Cappel said. “Ensuring our local governments can help people where it is most needed will benefit not just the incarcerated individuals, but also the community as a whole.”

Under Loughran Cappel’s plan, House Bill 4364 would create the Fund Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention Fund to create grants for local governments and public universities to provide mental health and substance use prevention to people who are incarcerated.

Read more: Loughran Cappel measure to support mental health services advances

Morrison advocates for law enforcement through legislative action

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) passed a measure to provide law enforcement officers with additional tools and training opportunities to help keep communities safe.

“One message that I frequently hear across the district is that public safety and a rise in crime continue to be a major concern,” Morrison said. “Yet staffing shortages are hindering police from best protecting their communities.

Morrison is the Senate sponsor of House Bill 3863, which would create the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to support departments through the hiring and training processes and help with retention strategies.

Read more: Morrison advocates for law enforcement through legislative action

Holmes moves to simplify process for veterans needing sportsmen’s licenses

SPRINGFIELD – Based on recommendations made by a constituent, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) advanced a measure to make life easier for veterans seeking sporting licenses. House Bill 4680 streamlines the process to apply for and attain fishing, hunting and sportsmen’s combination licenses.

“When a gentleman contacted me and let me know that his only choice to get one of these licenses was to go all the way to Springfield to apply in person, I knew there had to be a better way to serve our veterans,” Holmes said. “We worked with DNR to fix an oversight in this process: after years of there being five locations to get these licenses, it was down to one. There are now electronic ways to achieve the same goal.”

Read more: Holmes moves to simplify process for veterans needing sportsmen’s licenses

Simmons measure to create Agriculture Equity Commission passes Senate

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.

“For far too long, our Black famers have been systemically pushed out of the agriculture sector of Illinois,” Simmons said. “My goal is to see this commission address the root issues and find actionable solutions to give Black farmers justice in the largest job producing sector in Illinois.”

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.

Read more: Simmons measure to create Agriculture Equity Commission passes Senate