SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to ensure students learn about the impacts of climate change in school.

“The integration of environmental literacy is crucial to youth development,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “By learning about climate change, students are empowered to take action and make informed decisions.”

House Bill 4895 would task public schools in Illinois with providing learning opportunities on the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change and solutions for addressing the crisis. Schools would be granted the flexibility to decide whether to create a separate class or implement these lessons into existing relevant classes.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Laura Fine, Terri Bryant and Dale Fowler responded Thursday to a news investigation that uncovered abuse caught on camera at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Illinois.  

“What has continued to happen at this facility is unacceptable,” said Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee. “Stronger oversight must be incorporated into the Choate transition plan to hold bad actors like this individual accountable so the state’s most vulnerable residents are kept safe.” 

SPRINGFIELD – To safeguard students statewide and ensure they are treated with respect in schools, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed an initiative tackling corporal punishment in private and non-public schools.

“Corporal punishment can cause significant psychological harm, including fear, anxiety, depression, and a negative self-image,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “These impacts can affect a child’s mental health long-term.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would help promote healthy body image by facilitating practices for affordable access to laser hair removal treatment.

“Body image can affect a person’s mental health and self-esteem,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Providing greater access to these procedures will help thousands of individuals feel more comfortable with their appearance and allow them to decide how they wish to present.”

House Bill 4357 would provide that an on-site physician exam is not required prior to a non-ablative laser hair removal procedure under specific conditions.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure to strengthen Illinois’ anti-retaliation protections for employees who raise the alarm about issues like workplace safety.

“We have to make sure every employee in our state has protections when it comes to retaliation in the workplace,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Whistleblowers step up to keep others safe, and they ought to be protected for doing so.”

Castro is leading a measure to strengthen the current law prohibiting employers from taking retaliatory action against employees who blow the whistle on unlawful practices, including public health or safety threats, in the workplace. The legislation enhances whistleblower protections by expanding definitions and protected activity, and giving the Illinois Attorney General the ability to act on behalf of workers whose employers have retaliated against them for disclosing a dangerous or unlawful practice.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is leading a measure to bolster local journalism by ensuring fair compensation from big tech platforms.

“Local journalism is a cornerstone of our democracy, providing essential information that keeps our communities informed and engaged,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This legislation ensures that news publishers are fairly compensated for their work, which is increasingly being utilized by large tech platforms for profit.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison is leading a measure to allow more veterans to qualify for the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption.

“People who served in the U.S military should feel appreciated for their service,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Honoring our disabled veterans by lowering their property taxes is one important way of thanking them and their families for their sacrifice.”

Currently the Veterans’ Homestead Exemption allows qualifying veterans to receive a property tax reduction if their home’s value does not exceed a certain amount. However, if the home’s value increases to above the cap, they no longer qualify for any exemption.

SPRINGFIELD – To clarify and provide more transparency on criminal possession charges, State Senator Javier Cervantes is moving legislation to retitle these charges to more accurately reflect the nature of the crimes. 

“With this change, we can provide more clarity around criminal charges, and in turn, more support for those charged – particularly minorities who are disproportionately arrested for these crimes,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “The unlawful use of a weapon might seem like it indicates violent activities, while in reality these charges could be as simple as possessing a firearm at the time of arrest. By clarifying the name of these charges, we can help impacted individuals find better access to supportive services.”

According to Cabrini Green Legal Aid, more than 86,500 people have been arrested and more than 33,000 were convicted of unlawful use of a weapon in Illinois since 2009. This disproportionately impacts people and communities of color, with Black individuals comprising 69% of all people arrested for UUW, and negatively affects people’s ability to secure housing and employment.