Ellman’s measure enhancing water protections passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman’s legislation to prioritize water protections by targeting critical water issues and implementing necessary recommendations passed the Senate on Tuesday, moving it one step closer to becoming law.
“Access to clean, high-quality water is vital to sustaining a healthy and safe future for everyone,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure will allow Illinois to standardize evaluations of existing water issues and the needs of our environment.”
Senate Bill 2743 would require the State Water Plan Task Force to address water issues and reevaluate environmental needs by assisting state and local authorities in the implementation of recommended plans. The measure would also require the task force to publish a State Water Plan at least once every 10 years and meet once per quarter each calendar year.
Read more: Ellman’s measure enhancing water protections passes Senate
Villivalam measure to expand pathways for in-state tuition eligibility
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SPRINGFIELD - To create continued opportunities in higher education for immigrants, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure out of the Senate Higher Education Committee to expand pathways for an individual to be eligible for in-state tuition.
“Expanding eligibility pathways for in-state tuition is vital to providing affordable and accessible higher education for all people within our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is important to continue diversifying avenues to access higher education to ensure a talented workforce in the state of Illinois.”
Under Villivalam’s measure, an individual could obtain in-state tuition by being an Illinois resident prior to enrolling in the respective university, be a high school graduate from a school within Illinois, or have attended a high school within Illinois for at least two years prior to enrollment.
Read more: Villivalam measure to expand pathways for in-state tuition eligibility
Morrison bill creates registry for end of life care requests passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – To help physicians meet patients’ end-of-life wishes, State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to create an electronic registry to store treatment preferences for critically ill individuals.
“How much or how little treatment a person receives at the end of their life should be up to each individual instead of the one-size-fits-all approach,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This measure will enable physicians to access forms detailing patients’ wishes in a single, accessible location.”
Senate Bill 2644 would establish a statewide electronic registry that would contain Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment forms, which detail what type of medical treatment a critically ill patient does and does not want. POLST forms can help health care practitioners to uphold a person’s wishes regarding their care.
Read more: Morrison bill creates registry for end of life care requests passes Senate
Belt, Simmons applaud new Illinois Grocery Initiative grant opportunity
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CHICAGO — State Senators Christopher Belt and Mike Simmons expressed support for a new grant program under the Illinois Grocery Initiative that was announced Tuesday. Paired with the Equipment Upgrades Program, the initiatives are a $20 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in Illinois.
“As a proud supporter of equitable access to nutritious food, I’m thrilled to learn of the latest steps the Illinois Grocery Initiative has made in combating food insecurity statewide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The Equipment Upgrades Program and the New Stores in Food Deserts Program represent critical investments in our communities, providing vital support to independent, nonprofit and co-op grocery stores. Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to ensuring no resident goes without affordable, healthy food.”
The New Stores in Food Deserts Program will offer competitive grants to encourage the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts. Awards can range between $160,000 and $2.4 million, with a 1:3 match requirement from businesses. Grocery stores must be located in a food desert, earn less than 30% of revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales, accept SNAP and WIC and contribute to diversity of fresh foods available in the community.
Read more: Belt, Simmons applaud new Illinois Grocery Initiative grant opportunity
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