Koehler measure to bolster local food economies

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring more Illinois food to our shelves, State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act.

“This is an opportunity to not only support our farmers, but feed families and strengthen the state’s economy as well,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Providing farm-to-table food to grocers allows local businesses to flourish while supplying families with fresh produce grown right in the heart of their community.”

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.

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Ventura holds press conference on psilocybin bill

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura, along with several mental health advocates and professionals, held a press conference Thursday to outline their support of legalizing psilocybin, commonly known as “magic mushrooms.”

"We're dedicated to eliminating obstacles to healing in Illinois," said Ventura (D-Joliet). "As additional options emerge for the public, my aspiration is for plant medicines to shed their stigma and be recognized for their safe and beneficial qualities.”

Senate Bill 3695, known as the CURE ACT (Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens Act), aims to tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. Additionally, it facilitates research into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin through medical, psychological, and scientific studies.

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Johnson advances measure to enhance water quality of Lake Michigan

SPRINGFIELD – A measure advanced by State Senator Adriane Johnson seeks to enhance existing Illinois Environmental Protection Agency tasks by requiring regular monitoring of water quality from nearshores, harbors and public water supply intakes in Lake Michigan.

“It is imperative that we streamline the process to ensure the quality of water is being maintained,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Preserving the integrity of our beaches and water supply is essential.”

Senate Bill 3716 would update an existing provision to ensure that the IEPA is regularly monitoring water quality from nearshores, harbors and public water supply intakes in Lake Michigan and to provide an executive summary every two years on conditions of the water quality in Lake Michigan to the governor and General Assembly. This update further aligns Illinois with the federal Clean Water Act. 

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Toro legislation advocating for cyclist safety goes to the Senate floor

SPRINGFIELD — After a 16-year-old in her district was struck and killed by a car while riding his bike, State Senator Natalie Toro has been working to improve the safety features of Chicago bike lanes to prevent further tragedies. Her new bill, which prioritizes cyclist safety, passed the Senate Transportation committee, bringing it one step closer to becoming law.

“Biking should be a safe pastime for kids—not something that could end up getting them killed,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “It is horrific to think that children—like 16-year-old Josh Anleu—who are just trying to visit their friends or a local park never make it home because of unsafe bike lanes. Something has to change, and I believe this initiative is the first step to better protect our bikers.” 

Read more: Toro legislation advocating for cyclist safety goes to the Senate floor