Metro East legislators working to address floods in East St. Louis

EAST ST. LOUIS – In response to record rainfall resulting in numerous families being displaced in East St. Louis, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea), State Rep. Latoya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) and State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) are working with local, state and federal leaders to address public safety concerns and released the following statements:

“Flood waters pose a significant threat to a community’s health, safety and property,” said Rep. Hoffman. “Families in East St. Louis are at the forefront of our recovery efforts following last week’s historic rainfall.”

Read more: Metro East legislators working to address floods in East St. Louis

Holmes: IEPA allocates $4 million to Aurora to replace lead service lines

AURORA – The City of Aurora will soon receive $4 million in funding to replace lead water service lines in parts of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, according to State Sen. Linda Holmes. As part of the Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund, the grant will support projects to improve drinking water, wastewater and storm water systems through a low-interest loan. The City will get 100% principal forgiveness for this loan.

“This is great news for our community and state, where we some of the most lead service lines in the nation,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Our families have been quite concerned about this threat and insistent that we find ways to eliminate the risk and provide safe, clean drinking water, and I’m pleased we will have these resources.”

Read more: Holmes: IEPA allocates $4 million to Aurora to replace lead service lines

Expressway shootings down thanks to legislation championed by Illinois Senate Democrats

CHICAGO – Following the passage of a number of measures championed by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to crack down on rising crime on busy roads, the Illinois State Police announced the total number of Chicago expressway shootings is down 36% from this time last year.

“Commuters deserve to know they are safe when they use any of Illinois’ 15,969 miles of highways,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Allowing law enforcement to coordinate and address these crimes is the first step to protecting drivers.”

In the first six months of 2021 alone, there were 132 expressway shootings in the Chicago area. A need to keep Illinois drivers safe became more apparent with this rising number of crimes, leading to the proposal of legislation to expand the use of expressway cameras, give law enforcement more tools and technology to solve crime, and expand collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

The 36% reduction in shootings and 90% reduction in expressway homicides comes as the General Assembly passed a law to expand the Expressway Camera Act and provide law enforcement with additional crime-solving tools.

Read more: Expressway shootings down thanks to legislation championed by Illinois Senate Democrats

As crowds gathering on busy streets continues, Munoz takes action

CHICAGO – Street sideshows are becoming increasingly common in Chicago, halting traffic and creating dangerous situations for both bystanders and their vehicles alike. However, currently, there’s little action law enforcement officials can take against people participating.

That will change come January when Assistance Majority Leader Tony Munoz’ law that prohibits street sideshows takes effect.

“It seems like every weekend we see another case of dozens – or even hundreds – of people gathering on busy streets and putting other people’s lives at risk,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “Not only is it frustrating for people trying to travel down those roads, it’s frustrating for law enforcement officers who aren’t currently allowed to take action."

Munoz led House Bill 5439 during the spring legislative session. The law defines a street sideshow as any event in which one or more cars block or impede traffic to perform unauthorized motor vehicle stunts, motor vehicle speed contests, or motor vehicle exhibitions of speed.

Read more: As crowds gathering on busy streets continues, Munoz takes action