SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a few new measures to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties, as well as limit the state’s role in deforestation.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).

Under one measure proposed by Ventura, the Illinois Finance Authority would be allowed to reallocate funds from inactive programs to assist in the development and implementation of clean energy initiatives. With this change, $36 million would become available to support the Illinois Climate Bank— which provides financing to help communities transition to clean energy — ultimately improving climate resiliency and promoting equitable growth across Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD - Emphasizing the importance of public health, State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois. Given the recent Federal Food and Drug Administration ban on red dye No. 3 and brominated vegetable oil (BVO), Preston intends to amend the bill.

“Illinoisans shouldn’t have to fear that their food is harmful,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Many people don’t even realize what is in their food and we have to put a stop to that.”

Senate Bill 93 in current language would ban the manufacturing of food products containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, or red dye No. 3. Additionally, the legislation would prohibit businesses from selling or distributing food products containing these additives.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Laura Fine and Doris Turner held a press conference Tuesday to introduce two measures that would support new mothers when it comes to feeding their babies.

“Working mothers are constantly juggling to find balance to provide for their children not only financially, but also emotionally and nutritionally,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure will support working mothers by providing them time to breastfeed their baby during the work day without having to risk their economic interests.”

Fine’s measure, Senate Bill 212, would require employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time to nursing mothers so they may express or "pump" breast milk for their child. Under current law, employers are required to provide a reasonable amount of time to nursing mothers to pump breast milk during the day. However, there’s no requirement that it be paid time and reasonable is not defined.

CHICAGO — State Senator Julie Morrison received the Illinois Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts at their annual conference this month.

“Parks are for everyone — creating recreational opportunities for children and adults alike,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The IAPD is instrumental in advocating for recreation opportunities and natural resources within our state, and I look forward to future collaboration to make more accessible open spaces a reality.”

Morrison was recognized for her support of legislation promoting park districts, forest preserves, and recreation and conservation agencies across Illinois. She has been a longtime advocate for Illinois parks and continues to support park districts throughout the state through initiatives like the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the water rate hikes that affected Bolingbrook and the surrounding area, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a measure that would allow municipalities to buy back their private water lines through a ballot referendum. The measure is being supported in the house by Representative Dagmara Avelar.

“Water is essential to all life — I believe water should never be privatized for this reason. We cannot allow profits to be put over people,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect access to clean, affordable drinking water, as well as advocate to reform water policies that have continually hurt consumers.”

SB 1513 follows recent water rate hikes in Bolingbrook and surrounding areas in July 2024, which sparked public outrage with residents citing already high water bills and rising living expenses. Under the proposed legislation, a municipality would be able to buy back their water rights from private water utility companies using eminent domain, led by a vote via referendum in any regular election.

SPRINGFIELD – To advance environmental standards and promote greener energy, State Senator Adriane Johnson joined colleagues Wednesday to support the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, which would prohibit Illinois’ major retirement systems from making new investments in fossil fuel companies.

“By aligning our investments with the goals of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is making a clear commitment to protecting our workers, communities and environment from the growing climate crisis,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act reflects our responsibility to both retirees and future generations.”

SPRINGFIELD — Today, legislators and advocates gathered to announce the filing of Senate Bill 74 and House Bill 1224, landmark legislation to reform Illinois’ retainage policies.

“This legislation is about fairness and modernizing our laws to support Illinois contractors,” said State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), chief sponsor of Senate Bill 74. “Our small businesses and workforce deserve payment practices that reflect the realities of today’s economy.”

The bills aim to end the practice of withholding payments from contractors across the board and instead adopt federal standards that impose retainage only when specific project issues arise. The bills would only apply to state agencies and public universities, not local governments or private developments.

Castro’s Dignity in Pay Act signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro’s historic legislation to begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for people with disabilities in Illinois has been signed into law.

“Good jobs change lives, and all workers — including disabled workers — deserve these opportunities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Dignity in Pay Act will promote access, opportunity and financial stability for employees with disabilities across our state, and I’m proud to have played a part in getting this historic measure across the finish line.”

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Cervantes bill aims to improve health care access in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure more skilled health care professionals can practice in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes introduced legislation to better support the state’s physician assistant workforce and improve access to care.

“Before my work in the General Assembly, I worked with health care providers to resolve issues of inaccessibility, and I saw firsthand how it can take weeks or months to see doctors and other health care providers, leading to worse health outcomes for the patient seeking treatment,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “By streamlining the process of becoming a licensed physician assistant, patients will be able to receive medical help sooner.”

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Sims praises work done to affirm AAA rating to Illinois Funds

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is praising the work done by the Illinois General Assembly to affirm the Illinois Funds — a mutual investment used by local governments — top AAA rating.

“When I look at the budgets we have passed in recent years, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills, put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, and prioritize our local governments,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Illinois is a stand-out state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first — and we do so in a responsible, equitable way.”

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