Hastings: We remain committed to securing the future of clean energy in Illinois

FRANKFORT– In response to Exelon’s decision that it is closing two nuclear power plants, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who chairs the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, released the following statement:

Read more: Hastings: We remain committed to securing the future of clean energy in Illinois

Morrison: We need to treat e-cigarettes the same way we do regular cigarettes

DEERFIELD — In response to a recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that found half of Illinois high school students reported using an electronic tobacco product last year, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement:

“Vaping and e-cigarette-related deaths and illnesses have become a nationwide outbreak that no user is immune to — no matter how young they are.

Read more: Morrison: We need to treat e-cigarettes the same way we do regular cigarettes

Collins commends Attorney General Raoul’s challenge to FDIC decision to allow predatory lending

CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement Monday commending Attorney General Kwame Y. Raoul for challenging the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s rule that exempts buyers of high-interest loans from state interest-rate caps.

“Illinois has worked diligently for years to ensure our residents aren’t victims of predatory lenders that target low-income and minority residents. Lenders should not be able to take advantage of our state’s most vulnerable consumers.

“The FDIC’s rule is just another attempt to allow predatory lenders to profit at the expense of the people who can least afford it. I thank Attorney General Raoul for his effort to overturn it.”

Black Caucus: Our prayers go out to Jacob Blake and his family

SPRINGFIELD—The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) responded to an incident in Kenosha, Wisc. where officers shot Jacob Blake in the back seven times at point blank range. The footage of the Sunday afternoon shooting has been shared widely, and has continued protests against police brutality across the country. Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the ILBC Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood released the following statement:

“Mr. Blake exemplified community by taking the initiative to deescalate a domestic dispute, and somehow he ended up being shot by an officer multiple times. I do not know how to explain that, but I do know that this is not what public safety looks like.

Read more: Black Caucus: Our prayers go out to Jacob Blake and his family