SPRINGFIELD – Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D – Chicago) is calling for further action regarding an apparent rape cover-up revealed earlier today by a WBEZ article.

“The cover-up of such an egregious act is simply inexcusable. Everyone involved in mishandling this injustice should be held accountable. If you know anything about this, it is your duty to report it,” Van Pelt said.

The email was from 2012. There is no statute of limitations for charges of sexual assault in Illinois.

“Too often women don’t come forward because the appropriate actions are never taken. We should fight to make sure that doesn’t happen here. I urge anyone with information to come forward,” Van Pelt said.

SPRINGFIELD – More Illinois veterans will have access to education thanks to a measure from State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) that was signed into law.

“It’s important that we honor our promises to those who have sacrificed their lives for ours,” Van Pelt said. “Providing access to education to our veterans is a top priority, and I’m pleased that Gov. Pritzker agrees.”

Senate Bill 1467 expands eligibility for the Illinois Veterans Grant and the MIA/POW Scholarship to veterans who have been residents of Illinois for 15 consecutive years.

“When a constituent came to me and told me about the loophole in state law that excluded them from the scholarship, I decided to take action,” Van Pelt said. “By expanding the time frame for eligibility, we’re signaling to veterans that we appreciate and value both their past service and their future endeavors.”