SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure through the Illinois Senate that makes it easier for a veteran non-profit to fundraise.

“This bill helps a public-private network provide more support services for our veterans,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “When veterans need assistance, it only makes sense to give the Illinois Joining Forces network a greater ability to fundraise.”

House Bill 5542 makes several changes to the Illinois Joining Forces network at their request. The bill removes the executive board, which allows the foundation to add an additional 18 members, nine of which can be appointed by the foundation themselves, to assist with fundraising.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Eric Mattson led a measure through the Senate Thursday to address water shortages in the area while bringing good-paying labor jobs for residents.

“Fresh water is a right and a necessity to live,” Mattson said. “Through strong, organized labor, we will be able to provide clean drinking water to residents while bringing quality jobs to the area.”

The Regional Water Commissions Act was enacted in 2021 to enable communities in the southwest suburban region to form a regional water commission to collaboratively address water shortages. House Bill 5061 allows these communities to utilize alternative project delivery methods such as design-build or construction managers.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters is leading a measure that would allow principals and assistant principals in the city of Chicago to collectively bargain.

“For far too long, Chicago principals have not had a say in the work environment and procedures that affect them, as well as their students,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Chicago principals have a voice when it comes to their working conditions, and their voice deserves to be heard and valued.”

By clarifying which educators are considered qualifies “managerial employees”, House Bill 5107 ensures principals and assistant principals in Chicago will have the right to unionize.

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.