SPRINGFIELD – A measure to create greater access to the MIA/POW Scholarship for children of veterans is now law in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 3762, which allows legally adopted dependents under the age of 18 at the time of adoption and step-children who were under the age of 18 at the time of marriage would be eligible for the MIA/POW Scholarship.

“This new law will provide support to families that have already made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation,” said Hastings. “Helping our heroes’ children obtain a college education is the least we could do to thank them for their service.”

SPRINGFIELD –Thanks to a new law introduced by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), necessary funding for the Housing Authority of Cook County will be more accessible to invest in essential housing programs for the community.

“Funding affordable housing in Cook County is vital for many low-income families,” Fine said. “This law will help level the playing field so more land used to build affordable housing can be acquired sooner—allowing more Cook County residents to participate in these essential programs.”

CHICAGO – During the spring legislative session, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas was proud to support and sponsor measures to encourage more people to get into the field of trade work through education and apprenticeship programs.

“Whether it be a young person trying to decide what to do after high school or someone looking for a career change, ensuring Illinoisans have options when entering the workforce is important,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “The trades offer high demand, high pay jobs that can benefit both the individual and the growing workforce.”

SPRINGFIELD – To offer support to historically disadvantaged male students, Gov. JB Pritzker signed an initiative by State Senator Adriane Johnson into law to make a strong, statewide effort to explore solutions for equity in Illinois classrooms.

“A constituent expressed concerns for male students in classrooms when it comes to education equity,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “With support from my constituency, I’m relieved this law will allow our state to strategically explore ways to support young men in marginalized communities.”

CHICAGO – Teachers will be able to take excused mental health days under a measure supported by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday.

“It’s clear that our teachers have had to overcome a number of challenges, especially throughout the pandemic,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “They have continued to perform their jobs well in unprecedented times and often put their students before themselves.”

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) led a law signed Friday that includes community service as a possible punishment if a person speeds in a school zone or illegally passes a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended.

“Children taking the bus to school should be worried about their schoolwork, not worried about reckless drivers,” Morrison said. “This measure will further deter folks from speeding or passing school buses and really reflect on how their actions could harm members of their community.”

Collins' law provides support for families for murdered children

CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins was joined by advocates at a press conference last week to highlight her new law – the Funeral and Burial Assistance Act – that was recently signed by the governor.

“Every child deserves to grow up free from gun violence,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “What happened to Mychal Moultry Jr. should not have happened, but the death of children from gun violence is something that families are becoming increasingly accustomed to. We have to put a stop to it.”

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Senators push to restore vehicle emissions testing sites in Chicago

CHICAGO – During a press conference last week, State Senators Sara Feigenholtz and Robert Martwick outlined their plan to restore vehicle emissions testing sites in Chicago that was recently signed into law.

“The basic service of getting your vehicle’s emissions checked must be more accessible,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “People shouldn’t have to spend hours in the car to travel outside the city to get to an emissions testing site.”

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Glowiak Hilton champions Illinois law to deter organized retail crime

CHICAGO – To support retailers, update prosecuting resources and promote statewide economic growth, the governor signed a measure into law led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable.

“Organized retail crimes across the state have disturbed residents, wreaked havoc on businesses and stunted growth within local economies,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By advancing the Organized Retail Crime Act, Illinois is enacting one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

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Bennett highlights farmer mental health initiatives during mental health month

URBANA – In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, State Senator Scott Bennett is reminding farmers and ranchers experiencing stress to take advantage of the Farm Family Resource Initiative hotline.

“It’s important for farmers to break the stigma of internalizing their stress and understand they can ask for help,” said Bennett (D-Champaign), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “The FFRI program has already proven its success over the past couple years and has given farmers the opportunity to talk about their struggles to avoid negative consequences.”

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SPRINGFIELD – House Bill 5418, passed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and signed into law Friday, will give children access to intervention and counseling services within the first 24 hours after removal from a home and require the DCFS division of child protection to assess a child’s wellbeing each month.

“Being removed from your home at a young age is an anguishing experience,” Morrison said. “We must provide these children with the support they need immediately.”

As youth in care grow older and the time comes for them to live on their own, this law requires DCFS to ensure they receive classes and instructions on independent living and self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, finances, meals and housing.