Hunter initiative to reinforce DCFS’ permanency goal passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a measure through the Senate to reinforce that services provided by the Department of Children and Family Services are intended to be temporary until the involved child can be safely returned home or find a permanent home.

“We have a responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of all children in our state, and that includes providing youth in care with stable and permanent homes,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This measure strengthens DCFS’ ability to provide appropriate placements for children and youth in their care, and helps to ensure they have the support and resources they need to thrive."

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Joyce measure to increase fire prevention education among children clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Patrick Joyce that would bring more fire prevention education to children across the state passed the Senate Thursday.

“Many accidental fires can be prevented, which is why it’s important our youth have knowledge about fire prevention,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “With proper education from experts, we can provide children the tools they need to make responsible decisions.”

Joyce’s legislation would create positions of certified youth firesetter interventionists in the Division of Arson Investigation within the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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Peters rallies for protections for temporary workers

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Robert Peters joined a press conference Wednesday alongside State Representative Edgar Gonzalez, Jr., Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea and fellow Senate colleagues to support the passage of the Temp Worker Fairness & Safety Act.

“Illinois remains one of the leaders in the nation in temporary staffing employment,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “As a leader, we must establish measures that protect such an important demographic that stretches across major economic sectors.”

According to the AFL-CIO, temporary workers are paid almost 40% less than direct hires performing similar work. Additionally, 84% of temporary workers in Illinois experience wage theft.

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Morrison measure protects police who are retired and disabled

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to protect police officers who are retired and disabled from being forced to perform duties they are unable to complete.

“Our retired police officers put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities – we must protect them in return,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s vital that retired police who are disabled and unable to perform certain duties are not called upon to do so.”

House Bill 2390 would prevent local police departments from recalling retirees that are over 60 years old and are retired with a disability. Currently, if there is an emergency, local municipalities can recall retired police officers. This typically consists of making phone calls or closing a road during a flood.

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