Johnson speaks out on murder of six-year-old North Chicago boy

NORTH CHICAGO – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement regarding the death of six-year-old Damari Perry, who was brutally murdered by his mother and siblings.

“The loss of yet another young life to a heinous crime committed by a family member is beyond devastating. Every child’s home should be a safe space – a loving, caring place where they feel protected. Yet all throughout Illinois, children are silently fighting for their lives each day.

“We must continue to look after and provide protections for these vulnerable children. As the legislature meets this session, I vow to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of children and those who work to protect them.”

DANVILLE – In an effort to lift the spirits of local older Illinoisans, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) invites people of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines to support long-term care facilities in Vermilion County.

“Life is still very isolated and sending a special valentine to someone living in a long-term care facility is a wonderful gesture that is sure to put a smile on their face,” Bennett said. “Please consider taking a few minutes to create a Valentine’s Day card with a personal message to spread love to these folks.”

Senate prioritizes safety of social workers

In response to the tragic deaths of two Illinois Department of Children and Family Services caseworkers in recent years, a new measure led by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus will increase penalties for people who commit crimes against DCFS employees.

“The legislation we’re proposing sends a clear message – acts of violence against social workers will not be tolerated in our state,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “We all deserve to work in peace, freedom and under safe circumstances, and I am committed to protecting those who work in this field.”

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Greater support coming to higher education students thanks to new laws

SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support higher education students across Illinois took effect Jan. 1.

“I have always prioritized education during my time in the Senate, and I believe people will need higher education and job training more than ever after this pandemic,” said State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work the General Assembly accomplished this past year to help students flourish in Illinois.”

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Laws to protect Illinois veterans now on the books

SPRINGFIELD – A number of laws to support veterans across Illinois went into effect Jan. 1.

“Prioritizing our veterans who have given so much for our country is always a top priority,” said State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), a veteran and chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work conducted during the spring and fall sessions to bring us these new laws to help our military members and veterans thrive in Illinois.”

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PEORIA – A law sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler, a longtime advocate to streamline the FOID card process for responsible gun owners, took effect earlier this week.

“This law will address a years-long backlog of FOID card applications across Illinois while closing loopholes that allow firearms to fall into dangerous hands,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The modernized system will save time and money for lawful applicants, and will allow the Illinois State Police to more fully dedicate its resources to reducing gun violence.”

In response to the tragic deaths of two DCFS caseworks in recent years, a new measure spearheaded by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus will increase penalties for people who commit crimes against Illinois Department of Children and Family Services employees.

“Each day, social workers, caseworkers and DCFS employees put their lives on the line to protect our state’s most vulnerable youth. These children need a guardian angel in their lives to make sure they’re being kept out of danger – and that guardian angel is often a compassionate DCFS employee,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Yet, without greater protections and a more complete workforce, DCFS employees will continue to be put in helpless deadly situations. Tragedies against employees whose main goal is to help our at-risk youth must come to an end – and I am hopeful this legislation is the start.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the death of DCFS specialist Diedre Silas:

“I am absolutely devastated by the loss of Diedre, an incredible person dedicated to protecting our children. She was a remarkable person and worker and she will surely be missed. Though her death was tragic, I will always remember her for the bright soul that she was. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, and I pray they receive justice for her untimely passing.

“Sadly, this isn’t the first DCFS child protection worker who was attacked and murdered on the job. That’s why I will be introducing legislation that will protect employees from these kind of dangers.”

SPRINGFIELD – Restaurants and truck stops will provide their employees with trainings and protocols to recognize the human trafficking problem in the state thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) that took effect Jan. 1.

“Human trafficking is a form of industrialized kidnapping and modern-day slavery that hides in plain sight,” Collins said. “Measures like this begin to confront the problem, which disproportionately affects the number of missing Black girls and women in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – Families across Illinois will now have more resources to help support relatives seeking treatment in mental health facilities under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that took effect in the new year.

“Family members can feel helpless if they aren’t able to receive any updates about the status of a loved one receiving treatment in a mental health facility,” Senator Fine said. “This law will inform families, which will in turn help them create a plan of action to support the individual receiving treatment after discharge.”