Caucus News

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.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure advanced by Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) to address Illinois’ ever-growing teacher shortage by bringing back retired educators cleared an important hurdle.

“There are thousands of classrooms across the state where students are going without any instruction,” Martwick said. “We need this bill to put teachers in classrooms and ensure our children thrive academically.”

Senate Bill 3465 amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension code by allowing retired CPS teachers to return to work without it affecting their pensions. Schools are able to submit documentation with their regional superintendent to request help from retired educators in a “subject shortage area”. This emergency measure will remain in effect until June 30, 2024.

“Although our students have returned to in-person learning, we will not make up for pandemic learning loss without teachers in classrooms to guide and support them,” Martwick said. “I am pleased that we are one step closer to removing the barriers that prevent retired professional educators from returning to schools during this epic shortage.”

Senate Bill 3465 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to address Illinois’ ever-growing teacher shortage by bringing back retired educators.

“There are thousands of classrooms across the state where students are going without any instruction,” Martwick said. “We need this bill to put teachers in classrooms and ensure our children thrive academically.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) released the following statement today regarding the governor’s proposed budget:

“The impact this pandemic has had on our communities shows how necessary it is for Illinois to provide relief to the working families who have unprecedented struggles. This proposal is a good starting point – as it fully funds our education systems, while paying down debts and contributing more money to our state’s pension fund.”

“Two years ago, I proposed the pension buyout program which has now saved $1.4 billion in pension obligations, reduced our liabilities and helped the state achieve credit upgrades for the first time in decades. I’m pleased to see the governor acknowledge the program’s success and I look forward to working with him to extend it.”