SPRINGFIELD – A new measure created by State Senator Dave Koehler would create the Rural Education Advisory Council.

“This legislation promotes local discussion to address the needs of our schools,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Giving more local control to the decisions made in and out of the classroom promote a productive environment for our teachers and students.”

The Rural Education Advisory Council would create the opportunity for rural districts to discuss the specific needs and challenges they face within their schools. The council would then give feedback on critical issues facing rural communities and generate improvement ideas to the State Superintendent and the Illinois State Board of Education.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen recently introduced legislation to crack down on abusive and harmful use of digital imitations known as “deepfakes”.

“We must protect victims of this digital harassment by providing them with a new avenue to seek justice,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “With these new technologies being rapidly developed to perfectly imitate others, we have to find ways to combat identify theft and defamation toward its victims.”

Senate Bill 1392 would create the Civil Digital Forgeries Act, causing individuals who create digitally forged material with intent to distribute and cause harm to face legal consequences. The measure further helps victims of these harmful acts to seek justice by compensation for emotional distress damages.

SPRINGFIELD – Following years of abuse and neglect allegations at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, the Illinois Department of Human Services announced a comprehensive plan to reshape the way the state cares for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A number of members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus have long been outspoken about the issue, regularly calling for action and change. They were pleased to see a multi-faceted approach come to fruition.

“I am encouraged by the proposed changes from DHS. The safety of mental and behavioral health patients needs to be the top priority,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “I applaud DHS and the governor for announcing a plan that prioritizes patients. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with them and other partners to best support patients at Choate and their caregivers.” 

In coordination with their families and guardians, and with support from the SIU School of Medicine, most current patients at the Choate Center in Anna will have the opportunity to transition into community-based settings or other state centers where they will receive comprehensive, personalized care.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin passed a measure through committee with bipartisan support that creates the Rock Island Regional Port District Act. The Rock Island Regional Port District will be established within the limits of the City of Rock Island, with the Rock Island City Council serving as the governing and administrative body of the district.

"There are 19 other Regional Port Districts in Illinois, and I believe that it makes sense economically to create one here in Rock Island," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "The Rock Island Regional Port District has the potential to bring economic development and job creation to the area, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this district will have on our community."

The establishment of the Rock Island Regional Port District aligns with the goal of encouraging the use of waterways to efficiently transport goods, and to provide for economies of scale. The Port District will also boost recreation and tourism activities along the river. The Rock Island Regional Port District will be the twentieth public port district in Illinois, joining the likes of the Waukegan Port District and the Illinois International Port District.

WAUKEGAN – The effects of PFAS – also known as “forever chemicals – are of high concern to the environment and people’s health, leading State Senator Adriane Johnson to champion a measure to mitigate its risk.

“These ‘forever chemicals’ are found in too many of our communities – causing both health and environmental issues,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must implement changes and develop policies to combat the risk of exposure.”

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made harsh chemicals manufactured for oil and water resistant properties. Many Illinois manufacturers utilize the production of PFAS, resulting in the risk of contaminating water supplies throughout the state. Johnson’s measure would require the Illinois EPA to use the most up-to-date federal guidance to control the discharge of PFAS.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to increase emergency contraception access on college campuses, State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure that would allow college students to purchase non-prescription wellness products at a reduced price in at least one wellness kiosk on each campus.

“Many college students are already facing financial hardships in college due to limited funding and a lack of resources,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “The last thing students need to be worried about is breaking their pocketbooks in order to get proper health care on campus.”

Senate Bill 1907 advances equal reproductive healthcare rights for students enrolled in public institutions of higher education, including those enrolled in community colleges. This legislation establishes the Public Higher Education Act, which would require public colleges, universities and community colleges to offer emergency contraceptives and other products at a reduced price in at least one wellness kiosk on each campus. A wellness kiosk, similar to a vending machine, would offer non-prescription items such as menstrual products, pregnancy tests, prophylactics and emergency contraception.

SPRINGFIELD – Obtaining official transcripts can be a roadblock for college and university students across Illinois if they owe a past-due debt to the institution. This can hamper their efforts to pursue post-graduate opportunities. State Senator Laura Fine introduced legislation to address this issue, making transcripts more accessible to students, as well as requiring universities to make the process of withholding transcripts more transparent.

“Whether a student is seeking employment or further education after graduation, they will likely need their transcript to demonstrate their academic record and achievements in higher education,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This legislation will help students who may be struggling financially access  their transcripts.”

Senator Fine, who is a former college instructor, is a longtime advocate of supporting university students working to pay off their student debt. Last year, she passed legislation prohibiting universities from withholding transcripts from students with a past-due debt if the transcript is needed for a job application. This ensured students would be able to use their hard-earned transcripts to find a well-paying job, from which they could repay their debts to the university and pursue a career best suited to the skill set they developed in college.

SPRINGFIELD – In tandem with a number of Chicago firefighters, State Senator Willie Preston outlined his plan to standardize their promotion process at a press conference Wednesday.

“Chicago firefighters put their lives on the line each day and deserve the same career opportunities as other firefighters,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “It’s time we step up and put forth a standard and fair system for these brave men and women.”

Under Senate Bill 1707, Chicago firefighters would no longer be exempt from the Fire Department Promotion Act – changing the current promotion process for Chicago firefighters. The purpose of the measure is to create a more standardized process of promotions to align with every other fire department in the state were the Fire Department Promotion Act has worked.