GLENVIEW – The new 9-8-8 crisis line for mental health and substance use emergencies is launching Saturday, July 16. This new helpline will provide people in a mental health crisis with necessary supports.                                                

“The past two years have been an overwhelming time for many Illinoisans, and some feel like they are struggling alone,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “9-8-8 is an expanded resource to assist people experiencing mental health issues. I encourage anyone feeling anxious or depressed to dial 9-8-8 for local support, because a caring voice or a listening ear can make all the difference during times of stress.”

9-8-8 is a 24-hour hotline for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Individuals in need can dial 9-8-8 and be connected with a trained mental health professional who can help provide assistance. The hotline is a free, confidential service.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One week ago, State Senator Julie Morrison and hundreds of Highland Park residents ran for their lives as a gunman opened fire on a 4^th of July parade, killing seven and wounding dozens of others.

“As days have passed, each of us in the community have felt pain. In a town of about 30,000 people, almost everyone knows someone who has been affected,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “No matter where you go in the city, you’re reminded of the tragic loss of life. Our town is now on the map with Buffalo, Uvalde and so many other towns across this nation that have been stricken by heinous gun violence in recent months.”

In the days since, Morrison has worked around the clock to bring more awareness to the state’s Red Flag Law – which she championed in 2018 – and discuss potential legislative action – both federally and at the state level – which she believes will put an end to the gun violence epidemic taking place across the nation. On Monday, Morrison was invited to the White House for a ceremony regarding the signing of the bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

“In today’s America, just as the nation begins to heal from one attack, another ensues. How much longer can we sit back silently and only offer thoughts and prayers without real, tangible solutions,” Morrison said. “We must work together – both at the national and state level – on a solution to end these vicious attacks.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham and State Representative Fran Hurley introduced legislation to legally require the city of Chicago to give police officers a minimum of one day off each week. The proposal is designed to end the city’s practice of routinely canceling officer’s regularly-scheduled days off to make up for chronic staffing shortages. 

“The Chicago Police Department has approximately 1,500 fewer officer than it is budgeted for,” said Hurley. “The way to fix this problem is to hire more officers, not cancel scheduled days off for existing officers and force them to work 12 or 13 days in a row without relief.”

How to help Highland Park

On what was to be a day of celebration, a gunman opened fire on the Highland Park 4th of July parade, killing seven and injuring dozens more.

State Senator Julie Morrison — who represents the town — was among those at the tragic event.

“Families – including my own – set out on the 4th of July morning for a day of fun and festivities, yet were soon faced with the unthinkable: a mass shooting in their very own community,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The fear that goes through your mind when you don't know if your friends and family are safe is one of the most gut wrenching feelings – one that far too many people across this country feel.”

Read more.

Castro welcomes over $1.2 million in grants for local parks

ELGIN – To kick off Parks and Recreation Month, State Senator Cristina Castro announced funding for investments in four local parks and forest preserves in Cook and Kane Counties.

“Spending time outdoors has many benefits, from encouraging people to be physically active to improving cognitive function and memory,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By making critical improvements to our local parks and outdoor spaces, we are prioritizing the overall well-being of our residents.”

Read more.

Koehler-backed electric vehicle rebate program opens in Illinois

PEORIA – Thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler and other members of the General Assembly, Illinoisans who purchase electric vehicles will now be eligible to apply for a rebate.

“If it’s our goal to increase the accessibility and use of electric vehicles across the board, we have to make sure we’re including everyone in the conversation,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering the same incentives for electric motorcycles that we do for other electric vehicles, we’re encouraging sustainability to an even greater population.”

Read more.

Senator Kris Tharp: I'm eager to serve

WOOD RIVER – Kris Tharp, a captain and jail administrator for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience and a life-long volunteer in the Metro East, was sworn in to represent Illinois’ 56th Senate District Friday.

“I’m truly honored and humbled by this entire experience,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “We have a lot of important issues to explore this year, and I’m eager to serve the residents of the 56th District in this new role.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: Student mental health with Senator Bennett

On this week's Sound of the State, hear from State Senator Scott Bennett as he discusses a new law that took effect July 1 that prioritizes student mental health.

Listen here.

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Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

ELGIN – To kick off Parks and Recreation Month, State Senator Cristina Castro announced funding for investments in four local parks and forest preserves in Cook and Kane Counties.

“Spending time outdoors has many benefits, from encouraging people to be physically active to improving cognitive function and memory,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By making critical improvements to our local parks and outdoor spaces, we are prioritizing the overall well-being of our residents.”

Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and support local park projects. When combined with local matching funds, the latest OSLAD grants provide more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

WOOD RIVER – Kris Tharp, a captain and jail administrator for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience and a life-long volunteer in the Metro East, was sworn in to represent Illinois’ 56th Senate District Friday.

“I’m truly honored and humbled by this entire experience,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “We have a lot of important issues to explore this year, and I’m eager to serve the residents of the 56th District in this new role.”

Tharp has worked through the ranks of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and dedicated his life to improving public safety for communities throughout the Metro East. In addition to his roles as a captain and jail administrator, Tharp serves as a Deputy Commander for the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.

On what was to be a day of celebration, a gunman opened fire on the Highland Park 4th of July parade, killing seven and injuring dozens more.

State Senator Julie Morrison — who represents the town — was among those at the tragic event.

“Families – including my own – set out on the 4th of July morning for a day of fun and festivities, yet were soon faced with the unthinkable: a mass shooting in their very own community,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The fear that goes through your mind when you don't know if your friends and family are safe is one of the most gut wrenching feelings – one that far too many people across this country feel.”

Members from across the Northern Suburbs and the state as a whole quickly paid homage to the Highland Park community.

Family Relief Plan takes effect

Starting today, July 1, residents will begin to see direct relief at the pump, grocery store and soon in their mailbox thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan championed by Illinois Democrats.

“This new law puts money back in the pockets of homeowners and families in the South Suburbs,” said State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who served as chief sponsor of the plan. “We are slowly recovering from the most severe public health crisis that our state, country and world has seen in the last century. It is crucial that we prioritize families by providing them with much-needed and deserved relief to keep growing Illinois’ economy.”

The $1.8 billion tax relief plan championed by the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus during the spring session prioritizes families, single parents and vulnerable communities.

The majority of Illinoisans – more than 95% of taxpayers – will receive a one-time tax refund by the fall of 2022. Individual filers will receive $50 and joint filers will receive $100, with an additional $100 for up to three dependents. It also provides up to $300 in property tax relief for homeowners.

Rebates will be sent automatically using the same method original refunds were transmitted if they were sent directly to the taxpayer by the State of Illinois – either through direct deposit or mailed directly to their home. People should expect their relief checks starting in mid-September.

Further, to give consumers an economic boost for back-to-school shopping, the plan includes a state sales tax reduction on clothing, shoes and school supplies for 10 days in August. The sales tax will be lowered to 1.25% from 6.25% from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14. Items include certain clothing and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item. Teachers will also be eligible for a tax credit of up to $500 for the purchase of school supplies.

The plan also addresses inflation by suspending the 1% state grocery tax for one year and the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months to help with rising prices at the pump.

“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. (D-Chicago), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Illinois is paying its bills and we are fighting to help struggling families pay theirs as well.”

Read more.

Happy Fourth of July!

It's Fourth of July weekend! From family picnics to big firework shows, people across Illinois will celebrate the freedom granted to this great nation years ago.
From the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to you, we hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day.

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