Johnson advances measure to ensure housing resources for students

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.

“When students don’t have adequate shelter and transportation, it affects their learning ability,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Expanding the Education of Homeless Child and Youth State Grant Program will allow schools to better serve the individual and differing needs of their unhoused student populations.”

House Bill 5407 would expand the uses for funds received by school districts from the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program. If enacted, school districts would be permitted to use grant funding for rental assistance, transportation, emergency shelter assistance, case management services, and other housing strategies. The Illinois State Board of Education reported 58,498 students experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year.

Read more: Johnson advances measure to ensure housing resources for students

Murphy measure would stand against predatory extended warranty scams

SPRINGFIELD – To address extended warranty fraud, State Senator Laura Murphy advanced a measure that would enable vehicle dealers to file suit against scammers that use their intellectual property to deceive consumers.

“Consumers deserve transparency and honesty, but aftermarket sellers often engage in deceitful practices to push unnecessary and overpriced plans,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Through this legislation, we are laying out a way for automobile dealers whose likeness is used to deceive consumers to try to mend their damaged reputations.”

Extended warranty scams have become common in recent years. Frequently, fraudulent letters are marketed to look like they come from an official or authorized source, rather than an aftermarket extended services plan.

Read more: Murphy measure would stand against predatory extended warranty scams

Toro, Guzzardi legislation stands against discrimination in the workplace

SPRINGFIELD — To safeguard working moms, caregivers and others from being overlooked in hiring decisions because of their responsibilities outside of work, State Senator Natalie Toro is championing legislation aimed at prohibiting employer discrimination based on family obligations.

“It is extremely unfair for employers to decide that someone cannot fulfill their duties because they have family obligations, with no proof that this has or would interfere with their capability to be a good employee,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This gap in the Human Rights Act has allowed many Illinoisans to miss out on major career opportunities because of employers’ biases, and it is long past time to take a stand against these labor practices.” 

Read more: Toro, Guzzardi legislation stands against discrimination in the workplace

Senate Democrats pay tribute to fallen firefighters at annual memorial ceremony

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus attended the 31^st annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.

“Today, we are reminded of our fearless firefighters in our community who protect us every day,” said State Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “As we honor their memory, let us continue our support for those who serve on the front lines, protecting us from harm.”

The Illinois Firefighter Memorial honors the courageous firefighters of Illinois who have valiantly given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve with courage, pride and honor. The ceremony also gives families of fallen firefighters the Line of Duty Death Award in recognition of their loved ones’ bravery and resilience.

Read more: Senate Democrats pay tribute to fallen firefighters at annual memorial ceremony