SPRINGFIELD – Widows of Chicago firefighters and police are one step closer to receiving additional support after a measure advanced by  State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) was signed into law.

“Despite the false narrative of an overgenerous pension system, widows of Chicago first responders have been living with great financial hardship for decades,” Martwick said. “This adjustment is essential if we are going to support the widows of our Chicago firefighters and police officers who put themselves in the line of duty to keep all of us safe. I’m pleased that we are taking this small step  to support the families who sacrifice so much for all of us.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed a recently signed law to ensure unbanked communities can establish a more equitable opportunity for residents.

“There are millions of people around the country, who due to the barriers of account balances and minimum deposit requirements, do not have a reliable bank,” Turner said. “This law will allow for communities to take a stand and create the conditions that allow for a more equitable banking experience.”

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers will now be able to take excused mental health absences thanks to a new law that was led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“As society continues to increase the importance of addressing mental health as part of health care, we must ensure that our teachers have the ability to address issues they are dealing with,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s vital that we give them the time they need to unplug and focus on their mental well-being.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A measure offered by State Senator Ann Gillespie to waive school fees for students experiencing homelessness was signed into law on Friday.

“A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success, and this law ensures that our most vulnerable students will have them.”

PEORIA – Motorcyclists across the state have a new incentive to purchase electric motorcycles and keep Illinois on track toward a cleaner, more sustainable future thanks to a new law by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Making electric vehicles accessible and affordable for all Illinoisans is a great way to promote sustainability,” said Koehler (D-Peoria), who recently received a “Senator of the Year” award from ABATE Illinois. “By offering the same incentives for electric motorcycles that we do for other types of electric vehicles, we’re improving Illinois’ relationship with greener energy and supporting multiple modes of transportation.”

SPRINGFIELD – Access to low cost prescription drugs will be protected thanks to a measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter that was signed into law Friday.

While the average adult spends $177 out of pocket on prescription drug annually, affordability is a bigger issue for those who are older, taking four or more prescription medicines, have chronic conditions or are low-income.

“People should not have to spend hundreds of dollars in order to receive their prescription,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “People living with diseases and disorders need access to medication, and we have to make it affordable for them.”

SPRINGFIELD – Based on recommendations made by a constituent, State Senator Linda Holmes sponsored a measure to make life easier for veterans seeking sporting licenses. House Bill 4680 streamlines the process to apply for and attain fishing, hunting and sportsmen’s combination licenses. It was signed into law by the governor Friday.

“A gentleman in the 42^nd District contacted me and told me his only choice to get one of these licenses was to go all the way to Springfield to apply in person; I knew there had to be a better way to serve our veterans,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “We worked with DNR to fix an oversight in this process: after years of there being five locations to get these licenses, it was down to one. There are now electronic ways to achieve the same goal.”

SPRINGFIELD – To support retailers, update prosecuting resources and promote statewide economic growth, the governor signed a measure into law Friday 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.”