Turner encourages women to get breast cancer screenings

SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging women to get their yearly mammogram.

“Early detection is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Getting regular mammograms can help catch breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

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Halpin recognizes October as College Changes Everything Month

ROCK ISLAND — State Senator Mike Halpin is highlighting the start of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s annual College Changes Everything Campaign — beginning with recognizing October as CCE Month.

“College Changes Everything Month reminds us that education is more than an individual journey,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “It’s a collective investment in our state’s future. By celebrating this month, we are acknowledging that every student’s success is a step toward a more thriving community.”

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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month

SPRINGFIELD — This Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus are celebrating the history, contributions and influence of the Latino community in Illinois and across the nation.

From sharing stories about their parents who immigrated to the U.S. and worked hard so their children could pursue a better life, to honoring the vast social, cultural, educational and economic contributions of Latino leaders and trailblazers, Illinois’ Democratic Senators take pride in representing their communities in a state where everyone is welcome. Hispanic culture not only strengthens the state, but it is a key component of what makes Illinois unique.

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We want to hear from you

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board is seeking further input from parents, education advocates, community groups and other stakeholders regarding the transition to a fully-elected school board.

The committee will host a public hearing online at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12 at www.ilga.gov to explore suggestions on how the transition can be done in a way that ensures equitable representation for all of Chicago’s diverse communities. Recent hearings have raised questions about a number of provisions required under current law, including the hybrid period in which some districts will be represented by members who are elected and others will be represented by members who are appointed, as well as the petition and election process for prospective board candidates.

Comments can be submitted prior to the hearing via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or online at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. That website also hosts an online map-making portal where anyone can draw and submit proposed district boundaries for consideration.

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