Simmons bill to increase youth access to mental health care passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – To increase the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced an initiative out of the Senate on Wednesday.
“Mental health has become a leading concern for parents and children today, yet there are still gaps in mental health care,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation will help to support youth, their families, and schools by providing support, access and resources so students can find mental health care while they are at school.”
Senate Bill 1709 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services and the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for mental health care during school days to help increase the access students have to mental health services.
Read more: Simmons bill to increase youth access to mental health care passes Senate
Belt measure to increase accountability of housing authorities passes the Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt that would increase transparency and accountability in the operation of housing authorities in the state passed the Senate Wednesday.
“Access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental human right, and this is something that shouldn’t have to be a guessing game for people,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “By requiring housing authorities to collect and report data on vacancies and wait lists, we can better understand the housing needs of our communities and ensure that resources are being allocated effectively.”
This measure would change the Housing Authorities Act, requiring that every housing authority under the act collect data on the number of vacant rental units within each housing project as well as information on whether each wait list maintained by the authority is open or closed.
Read more: Belt measure to increase accountability of housing authorities passes the Senate
Johnson: We are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expand training on lights and sirens for ambulance drivers going through red lights during emergencies.
“Today we are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents.” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with first responders and people in our community to enhance training for ambulance drivers.”
Johnson’s measure would provide extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency responding vehicles. Further, it would require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.
Turner advances measure to protect school bus passengers
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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to increase student safety, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure through the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday that would allow school busses to have two extended stop arms.
“When students are getting on or off a school bus, we have to prioritize their safety,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Drivers often don’t take stopped school busses seriously. An extended arm would prevent drivers from putting students in danger.”
Senate Bill 2340 would allow a school bus to be equipped with a maximum of two stop arms that partially obstruct the roadway. The extensions would be required to be on the driver's side of the school bus and contain a system of flashing red lights.
Read more: Turner advances measure to protect school bus passengers
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Porfirio resolution honors U.S. Marine Corps
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Hastings: Freedom is never free
SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a resolution to honor the United States Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. Hastings, who served as a U.S. Army officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, rose in supp... -
Jones honors fallen state trooper with memorial highway
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Johnson declares Menopause Awareness Week
SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a condition that will be faced by more than half of all Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare Oct. 11-17, 2026 Menopause Awareness Week. “Highlighting menopause is vital to gua... -
Morrison champions resolution declaring September 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month
DEERFIELD — Bringing awareness to genetic disorders, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a resolution in the Senate declaring September 2026 as Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in Illinois. “Muscular Dystrophy is a group of progressive and dege...
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