Aquino measure strengthening state health care systems passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino led an initiative to increase government efficiency and transparency within the health care system by maximizing state dollars to fund the essential services vulnerable communities depend on.

“Access to health care and behavioral health services should not depend on your ZIP code,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This package will ensure that communities across the state, whether in the city, the suburbs or rural farm towns, have access to care.”

Read more: Aquino measure strengthening state health care systems passes Senate

Senate passes Stadelman measure to protect renters from broker fees

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman passed legislation belonging to a comprehensive housing package through the Senate that includes multiple consumer provisions. One key provision protects renters from unfair housing costs by prohibiting landlords from requiring tenants to pay broker and leasing agent fees for services hired by the property owner.

“Finding a place to live is expensive enough without being charged for services you never asked for,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “If a landlord hires a broker to market a property and manage the leasing process, that cost should remain with the landlord – not be added to a renter’s bill.” 

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Simmons Passes Right of First Refusal for Tenants through the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To help communities preserve naturally-occurring affordable, accessible housing and protect residents from displacement, State Senator Mike Simmons passed House Bill 957 which will provide tenants with the right-of-first-refusal to purchase a residential building for themselves should the owner put the building up for sale or try to initiate a sale. Specifically, a 90-day notice would be required to tenants from the property owner before accepting or listing a building sale.

“With rising costs of living and the influence of private equity, residents across Illinois are feeling the strain, and this measure gives them tools to keep their homes,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation balances the need to expand and preserve housing with strong protections for property owners through the right of first refusal, fair valuation requirements, and a transparent acquisition process.”

For many families, seniors and working residents, the sale of their building can mean uncertainty about whether they will be able to remain in their homes. House Bill 957 aims to provide a path to preserve housing when multi-unit residential properties are put up for sale by giving tenants, qualified nonprofit organizations and local governments an opportunity to keep those units affordable for current and future residents.

Read more: Simmons Passes Right of First Refusal for Tenants through the Senate

Illinois to have an official state bee under Ellman measure

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Laura Ellman advanced legislation through the Senate on Sunday to officially designate the black and gold bumblebee as the state bee of Illinois, recognizing the important role pollinators play in ecosystems and agriculture across the state.

“There’s a buzz among Springfield that this bill will highlight the critical pollinators that impact our environment, food systems and local ecosystems,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation is not only about recognizing an important native species, but also celebrating the students who turned their research and civic engagement into action.”

Read more: Illinois to have an official state bee under Ellman measure