Senators Morrison, Holmes prioritize public safety through law enforcement drone usage law

SPRINGFIELD — As members of communities that have been devastated by mass shootings, State Senators Julie Morrison and Linda Holmes are proud that their legislation encouraging law enforcement to use drones to enhance public safety at large outdoor gatherings has become law. 

“As we enter parade and festival season, it’s more pertinent than ever that law enforcement are equipped with the most  modern tools and training to keep communities safe,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s simple: drones will save lives. We can’t let another community feel the sheer terror and heartbreak that Highland Park still feels a year later. Today we’ve taken a positive and commonsense step toward a safer Illinois.”

Senator Morrison and her family were some of the hundreds of people in the Highland Park community who ran for their lives as a gunman opened fire on the town from a rooftop during a Fourth of July parade nearly a year ago. Seven people were killed and 48 were injured by the sniper. Following this tragedy, Morrison began work on legislation to prioritize public safety at large events to prevent further senseless loss of life due to gun violence.

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Villanueva joins legislative leaders to discuss reproductive rights at the White House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined legislative leaders at the White House Wednesday to discuss ways they can continue to fight for reproductive rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year. 

As many black and brown communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and health care largely due to systemic barriers and discrimination, continuing the fight for equal healthcare rights and abortion care on a national level gives hopes to a population who is often overlooked and misrepresented,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Abortion is health care and everyone, no matter their income, immigration status, or zip code should be able to access the care they deserve without fear and obstacles.”

Read more: Villanueva joins legislative leaders to discuss reproductive rights at the White House

Gillespie’s Medicaid package signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ann Gillespie’s comprehensive Medicaid package was signed into law today, which will expand access to care for thousands of Illinois residents and provide vital support for mental health services.

“Medicaid is a critical safety net for thousands of Illinois residents who rely on it for health care,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “By increasing reimbursement rates, expanding services and investing in telehealth, we can help providers offer affordable, quality care.” 

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Holmes measure allowing law enforcement to use drones for public safety signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – After a mass shooting at Aurora’s Henry Pratt Company in 2019 where five people were killed and six injured, the Aurora Police Department’s drone team began to carefully review how other states use drones to support law enforcement operations, and today the legislation their work led to – the Drones as First Responders Act – was signed into law.

Aurora’s State Senator Linda Holmes brought together that research and the countless months, weeks, and hours of stakeholder involvement from municipal groups, law enforcement personnel, and advocates, along with 50^th District State Representative Barb Hernandez. In 2022, legislation was prepared.

“This measure gives police and other first responders critical information in a chaotic situation where lives are at stake,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This could spare another community the suffering and trauma we experienced here – it has the potential to prevent more chaos and death.”

Read more: Holmes measure allowing law enforcement to use drones for public safety signed into law