Illinois state flag design submissions now open, Turner announces

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined members of the Illinois Flag Commission at a press conference Thursday to announce residents can now submit new flag designs.

“History is living, breathing and ever-evolving,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We need to ensure government is evolving with the times so people are engaged and a part of what is going on across the state. My hope is that Illinois’ flag will truly represent Illinois – a state with a strong workforce, an agriculture champion and so much more.”

Turner led Senate Bill 1818 to create the Illinois Flag Commission to develop new state flag designs. The commission will make recommendations to the General Assembly deciding whether the current state flag should be replaced with a redesigned state flag by April 1, 2025.

Read more: Illinois state flag design submissions now open, Turner announces

Hundreds served at Hunter’s 20th annual health fair

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrated her 20^th Family Health and Fitness Fair this month, empowering residents with free health screenings and streamlined access to local and state services.

“When I hosted my first health fair 20 years ago, it was a small event in a parking lot. We saw about 20 people show up,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Now we’ve partnered with Illinois Institute of Technology, using a large, visible outdoor space with more vendors inside. We’ve been able to help thousands of residents over the years achieve better health through education and resources, all while having fun.”

Read more: Hundreds served at Hunter’s 20th annual health fair

New Belt law promotes more economic equity and opportunity

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Christopher Belt will identify and correct inequities some individuals face when seeking loans, mortgages or other financial services.

“Unfair lending practices undermine the financial stability of our communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This new law is the first step toward enacting stronger protections to ensure every borrower is treated with fairness and respect.”

The new law builds off previous legislation that incentives state-regulated financial institutions to meet the financial service needs of areas where there is a lack of access to affordable banking, credit for small businesses, reasonable interest rates, mortgages and other lending services.

Read more: New Belt law promotes more economic equity and opportunity

Collins excited for signing of Liam’s Law to provide closure to parents experiencing a stillbirth

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is proud to support and see the signing of Liam’s Law that will provide better bereavement support measures to parents experiencing perinatal and infant loss.

“This law will give grieving families more supportive options when perinatal loss occurs,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is important these parents know what their rights are during a loss of pregnancy as they go through what can be the hardest time of an individual’s life.”

Collins measure, Liam’s Law, will better support families in these circumstances. The measure will require hospitals to notify the parents of their right to receive a certificate of birth resulting in a stillbirth following a spontaneous fetal death during or after the second trimester.

Read more: Collins excited for signing of Liam’s Law to provide closure to parents experiencing a stillbirth