Villanueva moves to reinstate Immigrant Impact Task Force

SPRINGFIELD – To protect the wellbeing of immigrant communities, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate that would reinstate the Illinois Immigrant Impact Task Force.

“We need this task force in order to determine where relief efforts have fallen short for immigrant communities,” Villanueva said. “We must address the systemic disinvestment in our area and build a recovery that benefits all Illinoisans, regardless of status.”

The legislation would reinstate the Illinois Immigrant Impact Task Force, which ended at the start of 2021. The task force would examine where the state can improve relations and services in immigrant communities, the impact of the pandemic, disbursement of funds to immigrant communities, practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the state among other issues.

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Castro spearheads measure to provide housing and other support to those with mental illnesses

SPRINGFIELD – To support and protect people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders and prevent unnecessary institutionalization, State Senator Cristina Castro has introduced a measure to help people obtain affordable housing and access to recovery support services.

“We need to move away from a system that criminalizes people with mental health and substance use disorders and instead focus on prioritizing compassionate treatment and support for those struggling with these conditions,” Castro said. “This legislation would help those struggling get back on their feet through accessible housing and resources.”

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Martwick measures promoting mental health awareness in schools passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is spearheading two measures to prioritize the mental health of students in schools.

Senate Bill 576 gives students the opportunity to take days off school to focus on their mental health without facing disciplinary action.

“When students are having mental health struggles, the last thing they need is the added stress of being penalized for missing school,” Martwick said. “Giving students the opportunity to make up their work allows them to stay on track and not feel the pressure of falling behind while trying to maintain a positive mental head space.”

Read more: Martwick measures promoting mental health awareness in schools passes committee

Belt: Illinois students are more than their ACT scores

SPRINGFIELD – Students could choose whether or not to submit their ACT and SAT scores when applying to Illinois colleges under a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville), which passed committee on Tuesday.

“It’s simple: Students are more than a test score. We know standardized tests are not always the most reliable scope of a student’s academic capabilities,” Belt said. “This measure ensures our universities take more than one score into account when considering applicants.”

The measure creates the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, which prohibits Illinois’ public universities from relying solely on a student’s ACT or SAT score to make an admissions decision.

Read more: Belt: Illinois students are more than their ACT scores