SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro that establishes March 8, 2023 as International Women’s Day in the state of Illinois passed the Senate on Wednesday.

“This is an opportunity to join Illinois with the international community and officially recognize the progress we have made together for women’s rights,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Women have contributed so much to our state and nation including serving in our armed forces, breaking barriers in the technology and innovation sectors, and fighting for equality for all people. Let us take the time to recognize and lift up those accomplishments today.”

March 8 of each year is recognized as International Women's Day by countries around the world to celebrate the past, present and future achievements of women as well as the obstacles that women continue to face in their struggle for equal rights and gender equality.

SPRINGFIELD – This morning, the Illinois Department of Human Services and Governor Pritzker announced their comprehensive plan to improve care at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center. Following this announcement, State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Lindsay LaPointe, chairs of the Mental Health Committees in the Senate and House respectively, responded to this plan.

“I am encouraged by the proposed changes from DHS. The safety of mental and behavioral health patients needs to be the top priority,” said Senator Fine. “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.” 

Equip for Equality, the independent, federally mandated Protection and Advocacy organization; the IDHS Inspector General; and the Illinois State Police have all been reviewing abuse and neglect allegations at Choate and making constructive recommendations to the state about the center’s future. To address the issues found, DHS has proposed a comprehensive plan including:

• Repurposing the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center (“Choate”) over three years in partnership with the SIU School of Medicine, and   
• Implementing new safety enhancements at Choate and across all state-operated developmental centers including appointing a chief resident safety officer, and
• Expanding support for families and individuals to pursue opportunities for community-based living while continuing to invest in provider capacity.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that Illinoisans in need of insulin have affordable access to the life-saving medicine, State Senator Laura Murphy has introduced a measure to cap its price at $35. 

“No Illinois family should have to go into debt or skip meals to afford life-saving medications,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “We have made great strides in Illinois to make insulin more affordable, but we will not stop our work until every person who needs this medication has continuous access to it.”

In addition to capping out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month, Murphy’s measure would also outline a plan to ensure that residents in urgent need of insulin are able to receive it in a timely manner.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure Crest Hill residents have clean drinking water, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel sponsored a measure that would construct a Lake Michigan water receiving station, which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday.

“Water is basic need for everyone,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Ensuring Crest Hill has access to Lake Michigan’s water supply is vital. This initiative would help the city for decades to come.”

Crest Hill's switch to Lake Michigan as a source of treated water supply needs to be finished by the end of 2029. The new water supply operation would be able to serve both the city's water system pressure zones and would be capable of meeting all of its water supply needs.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to combat climate change, reduce vehicle emissions and significantly expand the market for electric vehicles, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is championing a measure to make EV-capable charging available at residential buildings in Illinois.

“Illinois is on the cutting edge of electric vehicle manufacturing, incentives and infrastructure,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “The biggest challenge for this industry and for people who are in the market to purchase electric vehicles is the availability of charging stations. This legislation will expand EV access to charging stations in new buildings and accelerate our path forward in this emerging industry.”

The bill would require new construction of single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings to include basic infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. It does not require the installation of any actual EV chargers or the wiring for a charger. It also lays out rights and obligations under the requirements to allow flexibility for tenants and condo unit owners seeking to install an EV charger on their own, while granting property owners the ability to recoup costs when an EV charger is installed at the request of a tenant or unit owner.

JOLIET – With support from State Senator Rachel Ventura, Woodridge Park District, the Village of Shorewood and Channahon Park District are set to receive $1.5 million for land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects.

“As a former naturalist and former vice president of the Will County forest preserve, I can’t understate the importance of our outdoor spaces enough” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “When we put our planet first, we grow a community that will stay resilient for years to come.”

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.

DEERFIELD – As a legislator, it is State Senator Julie Morrison’s top priority to take feedback from the community and turn it in to positive change. Morrison is pleased to announce a new express services lane at the Deerfield driver’s services facility, cutting down long lines and extensive wait times.

“My office gets phone call and emails about completely unacceptable wait times. Renewing your driver’s license or changing your address should not be burdensome,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Secretary Giannoulias and I visited the Deerfield location and saw first-hand just how stressful and agonizing the experience was for the community. These new services will be a major change.”

Morrison and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias toured the Deerfield facility recently. After seeing for themselves the long lines and delays, they knew they had to do something to improve customer experience. Secretary Giannoulias created an express services program, which will allow people to renew or replace a lost driver’s license or ID card or updating their address.

SPRINGFIELD – The Urbana Park District is among the 118 recipients of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants distributed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Senator Paul Faraci announced Thursday.

“Investment in our parks and recreation not only enhances community engagement, it promotes physical and mental health,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This state money will have major positive impact on accessibility for more families.”

A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.