Springfield - A new measure to provide greater support for  law enforcement agencies and lower the police retirement age championed  by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) became law.

“I am proud to see this new law provide additional support to recruit the next generation of police officers,” Martwick said. “We are working to address the practical concerns of law enforcement agencies across the state.”

SPRINGFIELD –  State Senator Robert Martwick paid his respect to police officers who have fallen in the line of duty during this year’s Illinois Police Officers Memorial Ceremony in Springfield Thursday.

“This ceremony is a small gesture to pay our respects to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “I am honored to have been able to attend this ceremony alongside police officers and their families to reflect on the bravery of those who have given their lives to keep our communities safe and to stand in support of their families during this difficult time.”

The monument in Springfield, located on the west lawn of the State Capitol, bears the names of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. It was first dedicated in 1990, and a ceremony is held each year to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. The names of every officer who died while serving during the previous year are engraved in the monument leading up to the ceremony.

Springfield -  A legislative package intending to provide greater support for  law enforcement agencies ranging from mental health support, to hiring and retaining officers and the purchase of body cameras was unveiled at a press conference Monday with strong support from State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago). 

“I am proud to join my colleagues in support of this legislative package to show that we are working to address the practical concerns of law enforcement agencies across the state,” Martwick said. “From clarifying when officers can use body cameras to getting more support for mental health issues in jails and helping local agencies recruit more highly qualified officers, Illinois is continuing to show up for our hardworking officers.” 

House Bill 3863 creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to help law enforcement agencies hire and retain qualified law enforcement officers.

Springfield - The honor and integrity of the Illinois State Police will be honored after a resolution supported by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) advanced. 

“This week marks the 100th anniversary of the Illinois State Police and we are thankful for the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of our state troopers,” Martwick said. “Our state troopers frequently place their lives in harm’s way in order to enforce our laws and protect our communities, and this resolution pays a small tribute to their public service.”  

SPRINGFIELD –   A plan will be presented this fall to replace dismantled vehicle emissions inspection stations in Chicago after a measure spearheaded by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) passed the House Wednesday.  

“This legislation will help restore a much-needed service to the residents of Chicago and the near suburbs,” Martwick said. “People shouldn’t have to drive for miles and wait in long lines to test their vehicles.”

SPRINGFIELD –   A plan will be presented this fall to replace dismantled vehicle emissions inspection stations in Chicago after a measure supported by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) passed the Senate Friday. 

“This legislation will help restore a badly needed service in Chicago and in the northwest suburbs,” Martwick said. “People shouldn’t have to drive for miles and wait in long lines in order to meet this requirement for their vehicles.”

Senate Bill 1234 as amended would require  the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to submit a written report to the General Assembly by Oct. 1 2022, which would include a plan to replace the dismantled emissions inspection stations within the City of Chicago. The plan would help establish a pilot program or permanent replacement program as well as a timeline to implement the plan. 

SPRINGFIELD – Widows of Chicago firefighters and police are one step closer to receiving additional support after a measure advanced by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) passed the Senate Thursday.

“Despite the false narrative of an overgenerous pension system, widows of Chicago first responders have been living with great financial hardship for decades,” Martwick said. “This adjustment is essential if we are going to support the widows of our Chicago firefighters and police officers who put themselves in the line of duty to keep all of us safe. This is a small step that we can take to support the families who sacrifice so much for all of us.”

Senate Bill 4053 would change the Chicago police and Chicago firefighter articles of the Illinois Pension Code to increase the minimum annuity for widows to no less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. It is currently set at 125%. In 2022, the Federal Poverty line is set at a mere $13,590 for a single person. This measure would ensure that if a Chicago firefighter or police officer dies in the line of duty, the widow’s annuity could not fall below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level for that family.

SPRINGFIELD –  Emergency medical dispatchers are one step closer to receiving the recognition of the role they play in responding to emergencies after a measure supported by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) passed the Senate on Wednesday.

“Dispatchers have a tough job, and their efforts need to be recognized,” Martwick said. “Dispatchers are the first line of defense in an emergency, hearing unspeakable circumstances while staying calm and helping the caller. They deserve the utmost  appreciation for the vital job they do.”

Emergency medical dispatchers are special trained call-takers who identify complaints, triage patients’ severity and provide pre-arrival instructions to callers. Senate Bill 3127 would amend various laws already on the books to include emergency medical dispatchers in reference to first responders.