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Fine to expand safety rules and compensation for carbon capture and sequestration projects

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Friday, May 16, 2025 09:49 AM
  • Fine
  • Carbon Sequestration
  • SB1697
  • Environmental Protections

20250506KP0757RSPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to enhance environmental protections for carbon sequestration, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to strengthen pipeline safety and protect pore space owners.

“The following legislation continues work to establish sustainable solutions addressing the needs of our landowners and our environment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is essential that as Illinois continues to lead the nation in the carbon capture and sequestration industry, we have the strongest protections in place.”

Read more: Fine to expand safety rules and compensation for carbon capture and sequestration projects

Guzmán measure to remove income limits for the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program

Details
Category: Senator Graciela Guzmán News
Thursday, May 15, 2025 03:29 PM
  • Guzmán
  • SB 2471
  • Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program

sb2471hearingSPRINGFIELD — To ensure people with disabilities no longer have to choose between higher pay and receiving essential disability services, State Senator Graciela Guzmán introduced legislation to remove the income and asset limits currently on the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program.  

“People with other ability levels are not expected to pass up on job opportunities because they would lose access to essential health care coverage,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program does amazing work to support individuals with disabilities, but could be an even better asset if it was expanded to support folks making a higher income.” 

The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities was created in 2002 so that people with disabilities can work without fear of losing access to Medicaid coverage or being denied health care for preexisting conditions. Currently, this program is only available to individuals who make less than 350% of the Federal Poverty Level and have less than $25,000 worth of non-exempt assets. For an individual, this means making $4,564 a month or $54,775 annually. 

Read more: Guzmán measure to remove income limits for the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities...

Senate Democrats outline plan to tackle teacher shortage

Details
Category: Member News
Thursday, May 15, 2025 02:45 PM
  • Koehler
  • Teacher Shortage
  • Feigenholtz
  • Johnson
  • HB1375
  • Slideshow
  • HB3518
  • SB1584

Sens. Feigenholtz, Johnson and Koehler

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly 90% of school districts across the state have reported a teacher shortage problem, with even more believing the crisis will worsen in the years to come. To tackle the school staffing crunch, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined solutions to the ongoing issue through a number of legislative measures.

Prior to entering a classroom full time, students studying education spend a semester or more as a student teacher. Student teaching is a full-time job without the full-time pay — typically without pay at all. This creates a systemic barrier for individuals who want to become teachers, but can’t afford to not receive compensation.

Read more: Senate Democrats outline plan to tackle teacher shortage

Cunningham advances measure to expand leave for new parents

Details
Category: Senator Bill Cunningham News
Thursday, May 15, 2025 02:30 PM
  • Parental Leave
  • Parents
  • HB2978
  • NICU
  • Work Leave

Senator CunninghamSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure that would ensure protected leave for employees whose newborns require intensive care after birth.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their job and sitting by their baby’s side in the NICU,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This measure provides working people the breathing room they need during a medical crisis.”

Read more: Cunningham advances measure to expand leave for new parents

Simmons Fights for RTA Free Transit for Low-Income Individuals

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Thursday, May 15, 2025 02:12 PM
  • Transportation
  • Simmons
  • RTA
  • SB 1388

Senator Mike Simmons

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons continued his push for a program that would provide free transit for anyone whose income is below 138% of the federal poverty level.

“While public transit fares may appear affordable to some, providing RTA free transit to low-income families and individuals directly benefits single parents and caregivers, people living with a disability, seniors, young people trying to start their career, and survivors of domestic violence,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Although CTA, Metra, and Pace have free and reduced fares, they are limited to seniors and people with disabilities. This bill increases eligibility so more folks can independently access doctor’s visits, mental health appointments, school commutes, provide care for family members, and run every day errands.”

Under Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 1388, the Regional Transit Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, PACE and Metra would create a program to provide free transit to residents earning under 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $15,650 annually.

Read more: Simmons Fights for RTA Free Transit for Low-Income Individuals

Walker measure prioritizing digital consumer protection one step closer to law

Details
Category: Senator Mark Walker News
Thursday, May 15, 2025 01:51 PM
  • Consumer Protection
  • Walker
  • Cryptocurrency
  • HB 742

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SPRINGFIELD — According to a recent Pew Research poll, 63% of adult Americans have little to no confidence in the reliability and safety of crypto. Stronger consumer protections and greater consumer trust for those using digital coin are one step closer to becoming reality in Illinois thanks to State Senator Mark Walker.

“Illinois consumers need a safe environment to feel confident in engaging in this new digital market,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This legislation would build the bridge to promote trust between digital currency companies and consumers.”

House Bill 742 — identical to Walker’s Senate Bill 1797 introduced this session — outlines what requirements digital asset companies must have to operate in Illinois. Also known as the Digital Assets and Consumer Protection Act, House Bill 742 would create requirements for consumer disclosures, proof of financial fitness and procedures for digital coin companies that create a safe digital environment.

Read more: Walker measure prioritizing digital consumer protection one step closer to law

Belt and Faraci announce food deserts to get much needed relief from $10 million in grants

Details
Category: Member News
Thursday, May 15, 2025 12:55 PM
  • Belt
  • Food Deserts
  • Faraci
  • Illinois Grocery Initiative

Senators Christopher Belt and Paul Faraci

SPRINGFIELD – Food deserts are areas with low access to affordable and nutritious food, disproportionately affecting low income communities. State Senators Chris Belt and Paul Faraci obtained relief for two food deserts in their communities with the Illinois Grocery Initiative Grant.

“I’m thrilled to see the continued success and impact of the Illinois Grocery Initiative,” said Belt (D – East St. Louis). “This funding is essential to ensuring every family in Illinois has reliable access to healthy food while also helping the state work towards the goal of eliminating food deserts.”

Read more: Belt and Faraci announce food deserts to get much needed relief from $10 million in grants

Preston bill to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with a pathway to society

Details
Category: Senator Willie Preston News
Thursday, May 15, 2025 10:56 AM
  • Department of Corrections
  • Parole
  • Previously incarcerated individuals

Sen. Willie Preston

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston is leading legislation to provide formerly incarcerated individuals resources to acclimate the person to life outside of a correctional facility.

“By providing resources to formerly incarcerated individuals, we are giving them a chance to succeed, empower and uplift their communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We must treat all Illinoisans with respect and give them a chance to succeed regardless of their background.”

Read more: Preston bill to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with a pathway to society

More Articles …

  1. Loughran Cappel works to crack down on cyberbullying via AI technology
  2. Cunningham moves to upgrade Chicago’s firetrucks and ambulances
  3. Ventura measure to allow pharmacists to dispense non-hormonal contraception options
  4. Fine works to enhance workplace transparency for victims of harassment, discrimination
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