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Feigenholtz assures insurance coverage for abandoned newborn infants and lengthens the number of days a birth parent has to reconsider
Feigenholtz assures insurance coverage for abandoned newborn infants and lengthens the number of days a birth parent has to reconsider
Senator Fine leads effort to protect student loan cosigners
Senator Fine leads effort to protect student loan cosigners
Senate approves legislation led by Glowiak Hilton to combat “spoof” calls
Senate approves legislation led by Glowiak Hilton to combat “spoof” calls
Senate Democrats celebrate $175 million investment in Back to Business grants for hospitality and arts industries
Senate Democrats celebrate $175 million investment in Back to Business grants for hospitality and arts industries
Senate Democrat-led measure guaranteeing paid leave for Illinois workers signed into law
Senate Democrat-led measure guaranteeing paid leave for Illinois workers signed into law

Villivalam legislation gives those exonerated the ability to pass unused benefits on to spouses or children

Details
Friday, March 24, 2023 04:35 PM

032423CM0852 Villivalam copy

 

SPRINGFIELD –  To give those who have been exonerated and are eligible for the Grant Program for Exonerated Persons more flexibility with their benefits, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced legislation to allow those covered by the program to pass on unused benefits to dependent spouses or children.

“This gives people who have been wronged by the legal system and may not want to use all of their grant benefits the ability to pass them on to someone in their family who may benefit more,” Villivalam said. “Wrongful convictions are devastating for families, and this legislation gives more agency to how exonerated persons can use their benefits and ensures that their benefits are not going wasted.”

Under the current law, individuals who receive a gubernatorial pardon on the grounds of innocence of the crime for which they were imprisoned, or have received a certificate of innocence from a court, are eligible for the Grant Program for Exonerees. The grant can cover the cost of obtaining a high school equivalency certificate, pay tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate or graduate study at Illinois public universities, and can be used for four regular school years of full time enrollment.

Read more: Villivalam legislation gives those exonerated the ability to pass unused benefits on to spouses or...

Faraci measure to recognize Senator Scott Bennett’s public service heads to House

Details
Friday, March 24, 2023 04:11 PM

faraci 032423SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to rename and expand the ABLE Account Program in honor of the late Senator Scott Bennett passed the Senate on Thursday.

“People living with disabilities and their families were a top priority for Senator Bennett, who was a strong advocate and voice for those who didn’t always have one,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “To honor his legacy, renaming the ABLE Account Program was one of my priorities to ensure his work service and commitment to bettering the lives of those around him is remembered for years to come.”

The program, created and passed by Senator Scott Bennett during the 99th General Assembly, allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save money for expenses related to living with a disability without losing access to certain federal government assistance. Under Faraci’s legislation, the ABLE Account Program would be renamed to the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

Read more: Faraci measure to recognize Senator Scott Bennett’s public service heads to House

Simmons passes bill to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety

Details
Friday, March 24, 2023 04:01 PM

simmons 032423SPRINGFIELD – To make our roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and riders of public transit, State Senator Mike Simmons passed a measure today requiring the Illinois Department of Transportation to make bike and pedestrian safety improvements to non-highway roadways under its jurisdiction whenever routine maintenance is being done on those roads.

“Biking along a path or road can be stressful enough when worrying about oncoming cards, especially for parents biking with their children,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This initiative will help ensure bike and pedestrian safety improvements are completed in tandem with routine work such as pothole or street lighting repairs.”

Read more: Simmons passes bill to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety

Senator Holmes advances measure to ensure safety for people and animals at roadside zoo facilities

Details
Friday, March 24, 2023 03:20 PM

bear 042423SPRINGFIELD – Longtime animal welfare backer State Senator Linda Holmes passed a law in 2017 to prohibit the use of an elephant in a traveling animal act. On Friday, she moved legislation to further address public safety concerns with “roadside zoos” by creating a Class B misdemeanor for allowing a member of the public to come into contact with a bear or nonhuman primate.

“The public handling and show of these animals continues a cycle of endless breeding where they are born into captivity to be used as props and business commodities,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “They also may result in harm to the person or animal in such a situation — a risk that could create a terrible tragedy.”

Read more: Senator Holmes advances measure to ensure safety for people and animals at roadside zoo facilities

  1. Joyce plan to encourage firefighter training passes Senate
  2. Statewide mental health coordinator for law enforcement passes Senate
  3. Gillespie leads effort to guarantee legal counsel for foster youth
  4. Senator Fine fights plastic pollution, requires state agencies to restrict use of single-use plastic foodware

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Feigenholtz assures insurance coverage for abandoned newborn infants and lengthens the number of days a birth parent has to reconsider
Feigenholtz assures insurance coverage for abandoned newborn infants and lengthens the number of days a birth parent has to reconsider
SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz assures that Medicaid covers any newborn relinquished under the Act. It also extends the time of notice that the police...

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Villa passes bill to support grieving families
Villa passes bill to support grieving families
SPRINGFIELD – When Laura Kane lost her son, Zachary, to suicide, she was still expected to return to work merely three days later. To help support families grieving the loss...

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Senator Fine leads effort to protect student loan cosigners
Senator Fine leads effort to protect student loan cosigners
  SPRINGFIELD –Cosigners to private student loans may find themselves in a difficult financial position if they are unaware the student they signed for is behind on his or her payments....

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Murphy passes measure to help libraries provide greater access to e-books
Murphy passes measure to help libraries provide greater access to e-books
SPRINGFIELD – To help libraries have an easier time acquiring e-book and audiobook licenses, State Senator Laura Murphy passed legislation through the Senate Thursday. “There is a demand for e-books and...

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Rock Island gets an economic development victory
Rock Island gets an economic development victory
  SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s legislation creating the Rock Island Regional Port District passed the Senate on Thursday. "There’s nothing more rewarding than passing legislation that helps our local...

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Senator Fine legislation to distribute naloxone nasal kits to prevent overdose goes to the House of Representatives
Senator Fine legislation to distribute naloxone nasal kits to prevent overdose goes to the House of Representatives
  SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s proposed pilot program to provide first responders with 8-milligram naloxone kits to prevent overdose from opioids passed the Senate on March 23 —making it...

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