Villanueva-led changes to One Day Rest in Seven Act take effect Jan. 1

Updates include changes to meal and rest break requirements, employer penalties

SPRINGFIELD – As the New Year is fast approaching, employers should be aware of the new changes that have been made to the One Day Rest in Seven Act thanks to State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago).

“The One Day Rest in Seven Act is crucial for the protection of employees’ wellbeing,” said Senator Celina Villanueva. “It is important to make sure that employees know that when they need an additional break from working longer hours, that they can take one without being penalized. This will allow employees to perform at a higher rate without feeling as overwhelmed.”

The One Day Rest in Seven Act gives workers the right to a day of rest every workweek and breaks for meals or rest during daily work shifts. Originally, the law mandated a minimum of 24 hours of rest per calendar week. This will change to 24 hours of rest per seven-consecutive-day period. This means that any employee who works for six consecutive days, the law now covers them on day seven, even if those six days do not align with a Sunday through Saturday workweek. For instance, if an employee starts working in the middle of the week on a Wednesday and works six days straight, on the 7^th day they are allowed to rest without being penalized by their employer.

Read more: Villanueva-led changes to One Day Rest in Seven Act take effect Jan. 1

Simmons announces $1 million in state funding for lead pipe replacement

EVANSTON – To address ongoing issues concerning public health inequities in disenfranchised communities, State Senator Mike Simmons announced that he has secured $1 million in state funding for the replacement of lead pipes in South Evanston.

“For too long, lead in our drinking water has exposed our neighbors to adverse health effects, further building on the inequities our communities face. We have to get focused on this, we can’t make any excuses when it comes to lead pipes,” said Simmons (D-Chicago).  “This funding provides long overdue resources to address a problem that is systemic in nature, is decades in the making, and often does the most damage to Black and Brown communities like those who call South Evanston home.”

Simmons was joined by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Evanston’s 8th Ward Alderman Devon Reid for the announcement. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health there were almost 680,000 reported community lead service lines in the Illinois water systems in 2019. In Evanston there are almost 11,500 which need to be addressed.

Read more: Simmons announces $1 million in state funding for lead pipe replacement

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) statement on Senator Bennett's death

Senate President Don Harmon's (D-Oak Park) statement on Senator Bennett's death:

“I was devastated today to learn of the death of Senator Scott Bennett.

“My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his wife Stacy and their children during this unimaginably difficult time.

“I ask the media and others to respect their privacy.”

(At this time, the family has requested no flowers and plants. The family will name a charity organization to send donations to honor his memory in the coming days.)

Senate Democrats celebrate $350 million allocation to revitalize small businesses

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is set to receive over $350 million in federal funding to help support and revitalize small businesses across the state.

The $354.6 million awarded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative will help administer four programs to support small businesses.

The programs allow Illinois to help small businesses across the state attract more capital investment and expand or launch business operations. Access to funding and capital can be especially difficult for small businesses owned by women and people of color. The federal funding allows Illinois to greater support these businesses and their owners.

Read more: Senate Democrats celebrate $350 million allocation to revitalize small businesses