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SPRINGFIELD — People come to Illinois from all around the world and have the difficult task of finding work, housing and a sense of community. This is all while navigating the confusing and lengthy immigration process. State Senator Natalie Toro is working on legislation to protect them from being taken advantage of during this vulnerable time.

“Protections against discrimination need to be in place for everyone who calls Illinois their home,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Immigrants, some of whom have left their families or do not speak English, can be more vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination. My new legislation will make sure bad actors cannot discriminate against immigrants without being held accountable.”

Under Toro’s measure, threatening to report someone’s immigration status or suspected immigration status to federal immigration enforcement or another person would be considered intimidation — a criminal offense. If sentenced, those charged would face 2-10 years of imprisonment, as intimidation is a Class 3 felony. The measure would not create any penalty enhancements under current law.

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Lightford press conference - public university fundingSPRINGFIELD – Standing alongside advocates, university professionals and students, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford outlined the data-driven findings of the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding at a press conference Wednesday.

“Equitable funding promotes diversity and inclusion within higher education. It enables institutions to implement programs and initiatives aimed at recruiting and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This not only enriches the educational experience for all students but also prepares them to thrive in an increasingly diverse and globalized world. By investing in diversity, we are creating a more equitable society and fostering innovation and creativity.”

The report follows Lightford’s passage of a 2021 measure to create the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding. Over the last two years, the 30-person commission studied if public institutions of higher education are in dire need of a new funding model when serving underrepresented and historically underserved student groups, including Black and Brown students, as well as students from low-income families.

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SPRINGFIELD – Access to gambling is on the rise and with it has come an increase in addictive gambling behaviors. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced legislation to provide prevention, treatment and recovery services for gambling disorders.

“Like many drugs, gambling activates an addictive part of our brain,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “People who struggle with a gambling disorder deserve the same help and treatment as someone with a drug dependency.”

With expanded access to gambling, the Illinois Department of Human Services found that 68% of adults in the state reported gambling in the past year. Approximately 383,000 people across the state are considered to have a gambling problem and 761,000 people are at risk for developing a gambling problem. By recognizing gambling problems as disorders, Senate Bill 3410 will enable DHS to coordinate prevention, treatment and recovery services.

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Sen. Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced a new measure that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change.

“Encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, is an essential step toward a cleaner environment,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With the ongoing climate crisis impacting the entire world, it is evident that every level of government needs to focus on addressing this important issue to ensure the upcoming generations have a secure future.”

The Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act would require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to establish a grant program for local governments to restore degraded forests and prairies, encourage planting trees and grasses along roadways to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and address flooding and prevent snow and dirt drifts.

More Articles …

  1. Turner advances measure to further tackle food deserts
  2. Hastings measure provides local first responders with mental health care
  3. Stadelman passes legislation to strengthen Illinois’ hazing laws
  4. Halpin advances measure with help from Rock Island probation officer

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