Villivalam legislation for kosher and halal food options in state schools and facilities passes

SPRINGFIELD – To provide more food options for all faiths in Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed legislation that would provide kosher and halal food options in public schools and state facilities.

“We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs. With this legislation I hope to expand the available options for all residents in Illinois.”

House Bill 3643, would require all public schools, the University of Illinois Hospital and state correctional facilities to offer a kosher and halal food option upon request.

Read more: Villivalam legislation for kosher and halal food options in state schools and facilities passes

Simmons secures passage of bill to allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote

SPRINGFIELD – To increase young voter engagement, State Senator Mike Simmons secured passage of an elections bill that will allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote so they may start voting as soon as they turn 18.

“The young have always played a key part in democracy,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The younger generations show again and again how engaged they are in social issues — allowing them to pre-register sends a message to youth that their voices are important and allows them to take that activism to the polls.”

Read more: Simmons secures passage of bill to allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote

Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio helped spearhead a measure through the Senate making significant strides to expand the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program.

“Making the AIM HIGH program permanent will have profound impacts for our universities and residents,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This program gives our residents more in-state opportunities to pursue higher education.”

The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) has provided merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities since 2019.

Read more: Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities

Murphy plan allows after-school employees to administer EpiPens, inhalers

SPRINGFIELD –To ensure children with asthma, allergies and other medical conditions can enjoy after-school programs and activities safely, State Senator Laura Murphy has introduced legislation to allow program employees to administer life-saving medication to kids.

“At school, children can depend on their school nurse or other trained personnel to help with an EpiPen or inhaler. However, during after-school programs, there is not always that level of continuity with the regular school day,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “This legislation will give parents the confidence and peace of mind to enroll their children in sports, art classes and other enriching programs.”

Read more: Murphy plan allows after-school employees to administer EpiPens, inhalers