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Peters 1441SPRINGFIELD — Saving for retirement will become easier and more flexible for thousands of Illinois workers, thanks to a new law from State Senator Robert Peters that expands access to portable, customizable savings options. 

“Our residents deserve retirement savings options that offer them greater flexibility and control while still prioritizing their financial security,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law does just that – empowering people to tailor their financial planning, addressing financial vulnerability and promoting equity in retirement savings.”

In 2015, the state created the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program to address the growing gap in retirement savings for Illinois workers. Nearly 40% of private sector workers in Illinois do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, leaving many with no way to save for the future. Since its inception, the program has helped over 150,000 participants save more than $200 million for retirement, with more than 25,000 employers offering the program to their workers. 

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fine lactation 080525SPRINGFIELD – To support mothers trying to balance work life and home life, State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to allow for paid break time for pumping breast milk has been signed into law. This law ensures working mothers who nurse their infants do not have to be concerned about losing income in order to provide for their baby.

“Without workplace accommodations that consider the time required to breastfeed a newborn or infant, the burden of balancing work responsibilities and personal responsibilities becomes increasingly challenging,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We are not only encouraging a supportive work environment for these employees, we are also empowering Illinois mothers who must work to support their families.”

Fine’s new law clarifies that employees’ time for pumping breastmilk has to be paid and that employees would not be required to use paid leave during breaks.

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Sara Feigenholtz, State Senator

SPRINGFIELD — Despite the decade that’s passed since marriage equality became the law of the land in all 50 U.S. states, the LGBTQ+ community still faces persistent discrimination in housing and barriers to homeownership. Recognizing the need for change, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz championed legislation that updates Illinois’ property laws with gender-neutral language.

“For years we have methodically chipped away at outdated, stereotyped and outright exclusionary language in our state’s laws,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Today we take another step to strengthen our property laws — sending the message that no matter who you love, your gender identity or expression, you are welcome to build your home, family and life here in Illinois.”

Currently, Illinois law only references property transfers between a husband and wife, leading to lengthy delays in real estate transactions for same-sex couples and transgender individuals. Feigenholtz’s new law addresses this barrier by revising state law to refer to married couples with gender-neutral language, giving clarity to title companies and ensuring same-sex couples do not face barriers to acquiring or transferring property.

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Transition Plan Youth In Care

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure all youth in foster care have a pathway toward independence, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will establish a lifelong process of ensuring that youth in care are provided the opportunities to succeed.

“As someone who has been a foster child and experienced the hardships that come with that, we have to create pathways for children to succeed,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This bill requires DCFS to come up with a plan that provides learning opportunities and growth to foster care children and requires them to come up with a plan to push them on the path to independence.”

Senate Bill 1504 makes changes to the Children and Family Services Act to require the preparation of adolescents to successfully transition to adulthood.

More Articles …

  1. New Feigenholtz law makes streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists
  2. Peters’ law overhauls state’s mental health crisis response system
  3. Murphy measure that protects consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car sellers signed into law
  4. New Ellman law protects Illinois cremation scattering rights

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