Feigenholtz measure would help struggling hospitality industry

SPRINGFIELD – A hospitality package sponsored by Senator Sara Feigenholtz that seeks to provide immediate relief and help manage cash flow for struggling bars and restaurants passed out of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality committee.

“Every day, another restaurant and bar closes its doors,” Feigenholtz said. “Any lever we can pull to keep cash flowing and doors open for our independent restaurants and bars must be a priority. I am eager to see this legislation make its way through the Senate so we can provide immediate relief to our struggling hospitality industry.”

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President Harmon statement on the federal COVID relief package

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after the Senate passed a $1.9 trillion federal COVID relief package with aid for states and local governments:

“I am glad to see the Biden administration recognize the need states and local governments have for relief in the face of this unprecedented crisis.

Read more: President Harmon statement on the federal COVID relief package

Morrison: Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a very real issue

SPRINGFIELD – Although a record number of people cast their votes by mail in the 2020 General Election, not every registered voter had the privilege to practice their civic duty. Voters with limited manual dexterity or visual impairments – among other disabilities – may not be able to fill out paper ballots by hand, limiting their ability to vote remotely.

To give every person the same opportunity to cast their ballot from the comfort of their home, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is spearheading a measure to provide more accessible remote ballots.

“Voting is a right – regardless of a person’s ability to visit a physical polling location or their ability to write,” Morrison said. “Voters who are disabled should be able to cast their ballots freely, fairly and safely.”

Read more: Morrison: Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a very real issue

Joyce advances bill to protect children’s lemonade stands in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) advanced a measure through the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee Thursday to prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit.

“This bill is inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was flagged by local officials and shut down,” Joyce said. “I introduced this legislation last year after hearing Hayli’s story from a concerned constituent. Unfortunately, the bill lost momentum due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are on track to pass Hayli’s Law this spring.”

Read more: Joyce advances bill to protect children’s lemonade stands in Illinois