SPRINGFIELD –In efforts to provide an additional level of protection to renters who pay for parking, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is sponsoring a new measure which would require property seeking to tow their vehicles provide a personal notice to residents before removing their vehicle.

“Towing a resident’s car without their knowledge creates many issues for the car owner—finding the money to get the car back, finding alternative transportation to work, running late for work and many other issues,” Murphy said. “We must ensure that car owners are receiving appropriate notice before their car is towed.”

Under current law, property owners are required to provide written instructions before towing vehicles. However, distributing only physical warnings causes many residents who may not be able to physically receive mail to miss the notice, leaving them to deal with the cost to get their car back.

ELGIN – The Elgin Area Historical Society will be receiving a much-needed financial boost to go toward the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House project, thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“The Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House is a unique architectural landmark in Elgin,” Castro said. “The historical society has been hard at work updating the house for public use, and this funding will help the organization meet their vision as they continue to look toward the future.”

SPRINGFIELD – With daylight saving time taking effect this weekend, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is reminding everyone to check and change their smoke detector batteries as well.

“Daylight saving is a great opportunity to make sure your smoke detectors are working,” said Turner. “You are already in the habit of turning your clocks forward, this is another helpful habit to start.”

If you find an alarm that is not working or is expired, replace the alarm immediately with a new 10-year sealed battery alarm. Now is also a great time to review your fire escape plan with your family.

Chicago – Major Chicago cultural centers including the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute and the Chicago Children’s Museum have been awarded grants totaling more than $1.5 million  to make improvements and improve visitor experience, thanks to support from State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“Museums provide excellent opportunities for our youth and families to learn and grow together,” Peters said. “This grant program is making a significant investment in our most prominent local museums  that will ultimately attract more visitors, support research, and serve the community for generations to come.”

CHICAGO – The National Museum for Mexican Art is set to receive $750,000 to make improvements and create new exhibits, thanks to support from Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“Museums give people an experience to learn and understand our history,” Munoz said. “The National Museum for Mexican Art is extraordinary with rich visuals and eccentric exhibits. This funding will expand the museum’s arts for visitors from all over to enjoy.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to keep Illinois on track toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) advanced a measure out of the Senate incentivizing the purchase of electric motorcycles in Illinois.

“The decision is easy: any step we can take toward sustainability, we should,” Koehler said. “This legislation simply aligns the state’s treatment of all electric modes of transportation. We need to make electric vehicles of all kinds as accessible and affordable as possible to all Illinoisans. This is how we make that happen.”

MARYVILLE – The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police have named State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) as the 2022 Public Official of the Year.

“As law enforcement officers serve and protect our communities, I've worked diligently to advocate their interests in the Senate,” Crowe said. “It's truly an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police with the Public Official of the Year award.”

The ILACP named Crowe based on her strong relationship with law enforcement, noting her willingness to listen to their needs and advocate for their interests as legislation is proposed in the Illinois General Assembly.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats are applauding the creation of a new $3.5 million grant program to invigorate local economies. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the launch of the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Development initiative today.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) in particular are enthusiastic about the prospects of a post-pandemic recovery boom.

"Central Illinois is blessed with so many great economic assets," said Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "By working together to plan for the future, we can identify even more opportunities for growth."