Senate Black Caucus Chair speaks out for Gregory

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Chair of the Senate Black Caucus, released the following statement in support of the “Speak Out for Gregory” movement:

“A mental health crisis is not a crime and should not be treated as such,” Peters said. “Gregory was having a mental health crisis and was suicidal, and the situation was made worse and almost cost him his life. We need to invest in alternative responses so that this never happens again, because our responsibility is to provide treatment, not trauma.”

Glowiak Hilton moves to renew tax credit for affordable housing donations

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage support of affordable housing projects, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation to renew the state’s tax credit program and steadily increase benefits over time.

“The Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit has been instrumental in the development and preservation of affordable housing across the state over the last two decades,” Glowiak Hilton. “With its renewal, Illinois stays committed to the public and private partnerships needed to provide ongoing economic activity in communities.”

Read more: Glowiak Hilton moves to renew tax credit for affordable housing donations

Family members of sexual assault survivors would be eligible for protections under Villa legislation

SPRINGFIELD – Family and household members of survivors of sexual assault could file petitions for civil no-contact orders under legislation from State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), which was introduced in the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday after passing the House with unanimous support.

“Survivors of sexual assault and harassment deserve to feel safe at home — that means providing protection not just to the survivor, but to their family and loved ones,” Villa said. “Expanding the list of people who can file petitions for no-contact orders is critical to restoring survivors’ peace of mind and helping them move forward.”

Read more: Family members of sexual assault survivors would be eligible for protections under Villa legislation

Van Pelt Call4Calm Bill passes Human Services Committee

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) to permanently establish the Call4Calm text line to support Illinois residents' mental health needs passed committee Tuesday, falling in line with Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Call4Calm was a great initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can still benefit those who struggle with their mental health even after this pandemic is over,” Van Pelt said. “Mental health outcomes are more concerning than ever before due to the public health crisis, and this text line is an essential outlet.”

Read more: Van Pelt Call4Calm Bill passes Human Services Committee