Lightford outlines findings of Commission on Equitable Public University Funding
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SPRINGFIELD – 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.
Read more: Lightford outlines findings of Commission on Equitable Public University Funding
Morrison to increase resources for gambling disorders
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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.
Read more: Morrison to increase resources for gambling disorders
Ventura introduces Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act
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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.
Read more: Ventura introduces Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act
Turner advances measure to further tackle food deserts
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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address food deserts, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure that would provide grants for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets.
“Rural communities across Illinois are often in food deserts,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious foods no matter where they live.”
Senate Bill 3219 would expand on the 2023 Illinois Grocery Initiative by allowing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide grants for equipment upgrades for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets. Currently, DCEO provides these grants to existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores or not-for-profit grocery stores.
Read more: Turner advances measure to further tackle food deserts
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