Glowiak Hilton measure to combat emergency vehicle parking restrictions for first responders

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure through the Senate to ensure law enforcement officers and firefighters can park their work vehicles at home without being subjected to homeowners' or condominium association restrictions.

"There's no reason officers and firefighters should have issues when parking a work vehicle at their home," said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). "This is a common-sense piece of legislation that removes unreasonable restrictions for our first responders."

House Bill 67 would prohibit an HOA from designating a marked law enforcement vehicle assigned to an officer or a marked firefighter vehicle assigned to a firefighter as a commercial vehicle.

Read more: Glowiak Hilton measure to combat emergency vehicle parking restrictions for first responders

Faraci works to expand employment retention for student loan borrowers on default

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans who are on default on their student loan repayments may soon see increased opportunities for employment and retention at state agencies, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Paul Faraci that would remove current state rules meant to punish delinquent borrowers.

“State hiring and procurement can already be complicated processes, both for individuals seeking employment and for our agencies,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By removing focus from student loan repayment statuses, we can streamline the hiring process and ensure we aren’t unintentionally deterring qualified residents from applying for good jobs.”

Read more: Faraci works to expand employment retention for student loan borrowers on default

Porfirio measure to streamline speed limit and road safety changes for municipalities

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Porfirio introduced a measure to help local authorities implement changes that would improve road safety in their areas.

“This legislation puts the safety of our community first by making it easier for local governments to implement safety precautions,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “In situations where changes to speed limits are urgently needed, we want to streamline the process for local municipalities.”

Read more: Porfirio measure to streamline speed limit and road safety changes for municipalities

Villivalam joins advocates, residents for rally celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

SPRINGFIELD -- State Senator Ram Villivalam joined hundreds of Illinois residents with Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the PAAVE Coalition in Springfield, on Wednesday, for a rally highlighting Asian American Heritage Month.

“As we celebrate the start of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month, it is imperative that we continue to remind our community to uplift Asian American Pacific Islander voices, culture and history,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

The month of May first commemorated Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage in 1979 and has been celebrated as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month since 1990. May was chosen to commemorate the first arrival of Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869 through the incredible effort of mostly Chinese immigrant workers.

Read more: Villivalam joins advocates, residents for rally celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander...