SPRINGFIELD – Survivors of gun violence, gun safety advocates and faith leaders visited the Illinois State Capitol Thursday to host a rally encouraging lawmakers to pass legislation banning assault weapons in Illinois.

“I support banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines because I am a father to two young sons,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) at the rally. “As we approach this opportunity to take a monumental step forward to achieve true public safety for all of us, I am reminded of my kids and the stories we’ve heard day in and day out of children who have been lost to gun violence. No parent should have to carry that pain.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help municipalities, business owners and convention bureaus promote local tourist activities and attract visitors to all corners of Illinois, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a measure to create the Tourism Preservation and Sustainability District Act.

“Tourism and hospitality are top revenue-generating industries that drive our state forward,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee. “House Bill 268 will bring Illinois in line with 19 other states that utilize tourism preservation and sustainability districts to promote regional interests and bring visitors, revenue and jobs back to their state.”

House Bill 268 would allow hotel owners to petition a county, municipality or township to create a tourism preservation and sustainability district through ordinance. Hotel and lodging businesses within the district can opt to impose a 5% or less transaction fee on their room rates, to be collected by the local unit of government. These revenues would go to a state-certified Convention and Visitors Bureau or existing tourism nonprofit for marketing, sales efforts, events and other local promotional activities that enhance area tourism.

CHICAGO —Senators Celina Villanueva and Cristina Pacione-Zayas are proud to support the increased investments in early childhood education from the state, including investments in the Carole Robertson Center for Learning in Chicago.

“The investments made through the Grow Your Own program greatly impact underserved communities in a life changing way,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This initiative gives community members an opportunity to help learn and develop skills to then provide educational support to our youngest Illinois learners thus giving them a better chance at succeeding in life.”

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans will see a reduced registration fee under a new law supported by Senator Bill Cunningham took effect Jan. 1, 2022. 

“Inflation is still hurting families, especially those on a fixed income,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “I am proud to announce this law starts off the year with a tax cut.”

Cunningham voted for House Bill 5304, which will reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

GRAYSLAKE – Following nearly a decade of public service in the General Assembly, State Senator Melinda Bush retired from the Senate Saturday.

“It has been an honor serving as a state senator for nearly a decade – passing 100 laws and counting,” said Bush (D-Grayslake). “From working to secure an equitable funding model for our state’s schools, to providing economic development to our local communities, to leading the fight for ethics reform in Springfield, I am proud to have brought a multifaceted approach to the General Assembly.”

Bush – a lifelong resident of Lake County – represented children and families in the 31^st Senate District for nearly 10 years.

“When I think back on the last decade, I think about the impactful, emotional moments that have taken place in Springfield as we passed monumental legislation that made our state more inclusive and equitable,” Bush said.

New year, new laws taking effect

SPRINGFIELD – As the new year starts, a number of new laws take effect. Nearly 200 laws will officially be on the books Jan. 1 – from one that bans latex gloves during food preparation, to another that reduces vehicle registration fees for seniors.

The Senate Democratic Caucus outlined 10 of the most interesting laws that will affect Illinoisans in all corners of the state. Those include:

• SB 3120: Allows women who have a miscarriage, other diagnosis or event that impacts pregnancy or fertility, or death of a family member to take 10 days of unpaid leave.
• SB 3459: Requires next of kin to any Illinois resident who dies while on State Active Duty or Federal Active Duty, to be presented the Illinois state flag.
• SB 3609: Reduces the vehicle registration fees for cars and small trucks if it was manufactured in Illinois.
• SB 3616: Changes the Illinois Human Rights Act to include traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists, to combat hair discrimination in the workplace.
• SB 3667: Provides that a petition for a protective order may be filed at any time, in-person, by email, or online, and that a county with a population above 250,000 must offer the option of a remote hearing.
• SB 3932: Requires a coroner or medical examiner with custody of human remains that are not identified within 72 hours of discovery to notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• HB 209: Bans latex gloves for the use of handling and preparing food, as well as for EMA personnel.
• HB 3772: Provides people whose cars were stolen not be liable for violations, fees, fines or penalties when caught on red light cameras or speed cameras.
• HB 4271: Requires medically necessary breast reduction surgery to be covered by state-regulated private insurance.
• HB 5304: Reduces the vehicle registration fee for senior citizens from $24 to $10.

Dozens of other laws will also take effect Jan. 1, 2023. A full list can be found at www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/2023NewLaws.

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CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate the solidification of Illinois as a leader in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry thanks to the signing of an amendment to the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act.

“This law will make it easier for automakers and car parts manufacturing companies to qualify for tax credits—opportunities that can help expand local businesses and support working Illinoisans,” said Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “I am proud to support this bill and see this as a major win for manufacturers in our state.” 

SPRINGFIELD – Millions of Illinoisans have now received over $1 billion in income and property tax rebates as part of the Illinois Senate Democrat-backed Illinois Family Relief Plan.

“We prioritized families struggling to make ends meet, the single mom worrying about how she’ll afford school supplies and child care, and the family who feels they can’t catch a break – and we put together a fiscally responsible, compassionate plan to signal to each of those families that their needs are what we are fighting for,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Illinois is paying its bills and we are fighting to help struggling families pay theirs as well.”