Cervantes E-Verify legislation passes the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes’ legislation expanding protections for immigrant workers from wrongful workplace retaliation due to issues with their paperwork has passed the Senate, making it one step closer to becoming law.

“As the son of a single immigrant mother, I know firsthand how committed immigrant workers are to doing good work and creating a better life for themselves and their families. Their place in the workforce should not come into question due to misfiled paperwork,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “I am proud this bill will ensure immigrant workers can receive support from legal experts if their E-Verify status is called into question, and help them sort out discrepancies before losing their livelihood over a misunderstanding.”

Read more: Cervantes E-Verify legislation passes the Senate

Faraci bill aims to protect clean drinking water for 800,000 Illinois residents

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is building on ongoing efforts to protect the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to approximately 800,000 people across 15 counties in East Central Illinois.

“Our communities rely on the Mahomet Aquifer for safe, clean drinking water – there is no backup plan,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “While carbon sequestration has potential, we cannot gamble with the health of almost one million people. This bill ensures we don’t put short-term projects ahead of long-term water security.”

Faraci’s measure would prohibit carbon sequestration over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer, enforcing sustainable practices and preventing harmful activities. This is crucial for residents of Central Illinois, as the aquifer is the only source of clean drinking water for at least half of the population it serves – meaning those residents would have no alternative should the aquifer become contaminated.

Read more: Faraci bill aims to protect clean drinking water for 800,000 Illinois residents

Guzmán measure to establish Climate Displacement Task Force clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD — A task force on climate displacement and its impacts on Illinois may soon be established, thanks to legislation led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán.

“Whether we like it or not, climate change is real, and has started to displace thousands of folks from their homes because of the destruction it has brought globally,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This task force will help our state better prepare for an influx in residents fleeing environmental disaster so we can welcome new arrivals and not disrupt the lives of long-term Illinoisans.”

Climate displacement is the forced or voluntary migrations of people due to climate change or environmental degradation. With rising global water levels and more extreme weather events, Midwestern states like Illinois will see an increase in the number of people trying to escape these situations, both from other states and other nations. Without a plan in place to support the displaced individuals, there may be destabilizing impacts on the state’s infrastructure.

Read more: Guzmán measure to establish Climate Displacement Task Force clears Senate

Feigenholtz champions plan to study, improve safety on DuSable Lake Shore Drive

SPRINGFIELD — After repeatedly hearing from concerned community members and traffic safety advocates about vehicle crashes and fatalities along DuSable Lake Shore Drive, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a plan to address safety concerns on one of Chicago’s busiest traffic corridors.

“In just five years, DuSable Lake Shore Drive has seen over 16,000 crashes with 59 deaths and over 4,000 injuries,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “Traditional speed cameras that just ticket people don’t address the root problem. We need safety solutions that accomplish more by truly changing drivers’ behavior.”

Read more: Feigenholtz champions plan to study, improve safety on DuSable Lake Shore Drive