Older Illinoisans to receive resource information in print under new Johnson law

SPRINGFIELD – Older residents will have more convenient access to information on important state programs and resources under a law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“To ensure essential information reaches all our older neighbors, we need to distribute news in a range of forms,” Johnson said. “This law will allow aging Illinoisans to keep resources close at hand—including those who may not have a computer or smartphone, or who simply aren’t comfortable navigating the internet.”

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Aquino plan that protects student borrowers from debt relief scams signed into law

CHICAGO. – State Senator Omar Aquino’s (D-Chicago) legislation that protects higher education students from debt relief scams was signed into law today. The law prevents scams from hurting student borrowers who are already struggling to make their student loans payments.

“Unregistered student loan debt relief providers target these students, charging them excessive fees for services that can be accessed for free throughout the U.S. Dept. of Education. We must protect borrowers from these scams,” Aquino said.

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Hunter hosts 17th annual family health and fitness fair

CHICAGO – This weekend, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) hosted her 17^th annual family health and fitness fair, which featured health screenings, giveaways, and live entertainment, among many other activities.

“I am glad that we had such a good turnout, and that attendees and vendors followed COVID-19 safety protocols,” Hunter said. “We had a good time while staying safe and healthy.”

In 2003, Hunter hosted her first health fair. After several successful years, she partnered with the Illinois Institute of Technology, and they’ve teamed up to offer free services like health screenings, school supplies, and food for more than a decade. This year, Hunter and IIT added COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, as well as back-to-school haircuts and braiding, to the list of important services offered to area residents.

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New Belt law speeds up airport construction

SPRINGFIELD – Major Illinois airports will directly receive and spend federal funding thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that was signed into law Friday.

The new law allows Illinois airports that have 10,000 or more patrons per year to directly receive and spend federal funding. Under the current law, federal funding goes to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s aeronautics division to distribute to airports across the state, with the exception of O’Hare and Midway International Airports in Chicago.

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