SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, the House Child Care Access & Early Childhood and Senate Early Childhood Education  Committees held a joint subject matter hearing to discuss public resources that support optimal development for infants and toddlers from the prenatal period to age three. Building on the first subject matter hearing that made the case for investing in the early years, the testimony highlighted the intent of programs and services, demographics of participants, specific considerations for young children with developmental delays and disabilities and multilingual learners, gaps in services, and the expected impact of increased investments.

SPRINGFIELD – In order to protect victims of wrongful foreclosures that occurred during the COVID pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy has introduced a bill that would seal foreclosure records that were initiated during the foreclosure moratoria.

“Many families struggled with job and income losses due to the pandemic. As a result, they fell behind on rent and mortgage payments,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Despite the protections put in place at the state and federal level, many families wrongfully lost their homes. We need to do our part to ensure that our hardworking families do not suffer from the negative impacts of foreclosure.”

The measure would allow a mortgagor to request that foreclosure records be sealed if they were meant to be protected under the moratoria enacted by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Corporation, the Federal Housing Administration, or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

According to ATTOM, a property and real estate data platform, nationally nearly 12,000 properties had foreclosure filings in October 2020. In October 2021, one in every 1,923 homes in Illinois faced foreclosure. Chicago ranked fourth among cities with a population of at least 220,000 with one in every 2,284 homes facing foreclosure.

“Foreclosures on an individual’s record can have countless impacts, including their ability to qualify for another mortgage, which will only perpetuate the cycle started by these wrongful foreclosures,” said Murphy. “I want to protect the families of Illinois, and prevent wrongful foreclosures from sabotaging their futures.”

Senate Bill 201 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. It now goes to the Senate floor for further deliberation.

SPRINGFIELD – With the intention to expand upon domestic violence laws, State Senator Robert Peters passed a measure through committee on Wednesday to protect victims of gender-based violence.

“Current domestic violence laws unfortunately have loopholes that can cause incarcerated survivors to get their resentencing request dismissed,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Expanding upon current domestic violence laws and including protections for victims of gender-based violence helps survivors during their fight for freedom.”

Under current law, relief from judgement following a domestic violence incident is applied when the survivor’s offense was related to having previously having been a victim of domestic violence.

Aurora state senator diagnosed with condition in 1996
SPRINGFIELD – Individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families in Illinois can be aided by greater awareness and support from their neighbors, classmates and coworkers, according to State Senator Linda Holmes. She is taking action to build that awareness by naming March as MS Awareness Month in Illinois.

After her first flare in 1989 caused her left arm and leg to become temporarily paralyzed, Holmes (D-Aurora) wasn’t officially diagnosed with MS until 1996.

“I feel fortunate to have had the relapsing-remitting type of MS, dealing with only occasional bouts of symptoms, rather than the progressive type,” Holmes said. “I was told at that time that a cure could come within 10 years, and I am still waiting for that day.”

The National MS Society has worked to transform what it means to live with MS and pursues a vision of a world free of the disease. They seek a cure but also to empower people with these sometimes debilitating symptoms to live their best lives.

Generally striking people between ages 20 and 50, the cause of MS is unknown. The neurological disease of the central nervous system affects nearly one million people in the United States.

“When I was diagnosed, I knew I had to get in the best possible shape and live a healthier life,” Holmes said. “I began exercising regularly, and I took up downhill snow skiing — an activity I had always wanted to learn — to help prepare my body for what may be ahead. I want to encourage Illinoisans to be aware of the signs of MS and reach out to help friends or loved ones who may be dealing with it.”

Senate Resolution 124 declares this month as MS Awareness Month in Illinois and recognizes the importance of finding the cause and cure for MS.

SPRINGFIELD — Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to guaranteed legal representation thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie that passed committee on Tuesday.

“Youth in care deserve to have a voice in the decisions being made about their future,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Guaranteeing they have legal representation puts someone in their corner — an advocate who will stand up in court and fight for the outcomes the child wants to see.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure adding protections for homeowners and tenants who lose their home or residence due to a property tax sale as a result of unpaid property taxes sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters passed committee on Tuesday.

“Adding protections for homeowners and tenants with overdue property taxes upholds the humanity of those going through tough times,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Homeowners and tenants need to be protected from predatory tax deed purchasers.”

Current law requires tax deed purchasers to give renters notices to move immediately, with no regard to how long they have lived at the property or if the renter has a written or oral rental agreement. Tax deed purchasers have the right to file an eviction against the renter and anyone living at the property under current law, which can negatively affect the renter’s credit record even if the renter did no wrong.

SPRINGFIELD – To expand coverage of preventative screenings for liver disease, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation from the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday.

“The best chance at fighting any disease is early detection,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will provide liver disease screenings to people who need them, regardless of their health insurer status. Identifying liver disease early improves long-term health outcomes, especially for those most at-risk.”

Senate Bill 1282 requires Medicaid, private insurance plans and government employee insurance plans to cover preventative screenings for liver disease for individuals who are at high risk for liver disease. These screenings may occur every six months, and plans will be prohibited from imposing a deductible, coinsurance, co-payment or any other cost-sharing requirement.

SPRINGFIELD –  To prioritize agricultural education experiences, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure that would ensure schools consider students as being "in attendance" for a Future Farmers of America or 4-H program competition or exhibition through the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

”I’m a strong supporter of ag education and I want students to be able to continue their education outside of the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Hands on learning is essential for students to get the experience they need to understand the agriculture industry.”

Senate Bill 2132 would require schools to consider students as being "in attendance" if the student's absence is to participate in a FFA or 4-H program competition or exhibition.

Illinois FFA is a youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization across the state aimed at teaching practical skills to youth by offering lessons in communications, leadership, career development, livestock, home improvement and computer technology.

“These groups often participate in events like fairs and competitions that can conflict with school schedules,” Turner said. “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I have seen and heard the hurdles students have faced. It’s time we let them learn through experiences without being jeopardized.”

Senate Bill 2132 passed the Senate Education Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.