Senate Democrats show support for sexual assault survivors

SPRINGFIELD – Highlighting a commitment to supporting survivors and addressing the critical needs of residents grappling with the impacts of sexual violence, State Senators Dave Koehler, Robert Peters and Ann Gillespie joined Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault advocates in the Capitol on Wednesday to call for a $20 million budget allocation for sexual assault services.

“We must invest more resources toward sexual assault crisis services to ensure that every survivor has access to the support they deserve,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This means bolstering funding for crisis hotlines, counseling programs, legal assistance and medical care. It means expanding outreach efforts to underserved communities and marginalized populations. It means breaking down the barriers that prevent survivors from seeking help.”

The requested funding increase would strengthen essential services provided by organizations like ICASA, which offers a range of support, including crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy and prevention education. These services are crucial for empowering survivors, holding perpetrators accountable and creating safer communities for all.

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Feigenholtz seeks to modernize oversight of financial institutions

SPRINGFIELD — State oversight authorities could soon have clarity in order to hold financial institutions accountable for deceptive practices under legislation sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“Throughout my career, I have prioritized strengthening corporate and consumer transparency,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Taking on the financial sector is the next step to continue fostering a fair and equitable business environment in Chicago and throughout the state.”

Feigenholtz’s measure seeks to modernize the law regulating entities like credit unions, currency exchanges, pawnbrokers, collection agencies and payday lenders in Illinois. The legislation would provide the Division of Financial Institutions at the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with more substantial enforcement authority so the agency can investigate complaints against the entities it licenses.

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Senate Democrats outline plan to protect youth from e-cigarettes

SPRINGFIELD – E-cigarette use is rising dramatically among Illinois teens – with the newest culprit of the epidemic being vapes that look like highlighters, markers and other school supplies.

During a press conference Thursday, State Senators Julie Morrison and Meg Loughran Cappel outlined their proposals to curb the youth vaping epidemic.

“The dangerous and addictive nature of nicotine consumption is the reason I have taken a strong stand on this issue,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We should do everything in our power to make it impossible for children to obtain and conceal tobacco products.”

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Koehler joins farmers and Illinois Stewardship Alliance to discuss Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act

State Senator Dave Koehler joined the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and rural farmers today to discuss his latest measure, Senate Bill 3077, which would strengthen local food production and distribution.

“We should be supporting our farmers here in Illinois rather than purchasing products across the country,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Farming is more than just sticking a seed in the ground. You must also have the infrastructure to be able to harvest and process food for people.”

Senate Bill 3077 would create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. This measure would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants would include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

Koehler, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and farmers rallied behind the measure, highlighting the importance of having locally sourced food in stores and the impact it would have on the economy.

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