Aquino leads measure to ban assault weapons in Illinois

CHICAGO – Alongside Uvalde, Buffalo, and a sadly increasing number of cities across the nation, Highland Park joined the map of yet another town that was stricken by heinous gun violence at the hands of a person firing an assault weapon. Before more lives are tragically lost by the unnecessary ownership and usage of such weapons, State Senator Omar Aquino is pushing a measure to ban the sale and purchase of assault weapons.

“We cannot continue to sit silently while people’s parents, children, and friends get shot to death in masses at parades, grocery stores, and schools,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “I can’t fathom living in a state where my children have to constantly fear for their lives on a daily basis.”

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Senate Democrats announce $12 million in Rebuild Illinois funds for affordable housing preservation

CHICAGO – State Senators Mattie Hunter, Robert Peters and Patricia Van Pelt, who all represent communities across Chicago, recently announced conditional awards totaling nearly $12 million in Rebuild Illinois funding that will provide critical improvements to 27 affordable housing developments throughout Illinois.

Awarded under the new Limited Rehabilitation Preservation Program the funds will preserve the safety and long-term stability of affordable rental housing for low-income households across the state. In all, more than 1,400 units of affordable rental housing will see vital repairs that will address code violations, resolve security issues and improve the health and safety of both the buildings and their residents.

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As crowds gathering on busy streets continues, Munoz takes action

CHICAGO – Street sideshows are becoming increasingly common in Chicago, halting traffic and creating dangerous situations for both bystanders and their vehicles alike. However, currently, there’s little action law enforcement officials can take against people participating. That will change come January when Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz’ law that prohibits street sideshows takes effect.

“It seems like every weekend we see another case of dozens – or even hundreds – of people gathering on busy streets and putting other people’s lives at risk,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “Not only is it frustrating for people trying to travel down those roads, it’s frustrating for law enforcement officers who aren’t currently allowed to take action."

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Sound of the State: 9-8-8 Crisis Hotline

State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and David Albert, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Mental Health at the Illinois Department of Human Services, discuss the new 9-8-8 crisis hotline, in this episode of the Sound of the State.

Listen here.

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