In response to the tragic deaths of two DCFS caseworks in recent years, a new measure spearheaded by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus will increase penalties for people who commit crimes against Illinois Department of Children and Family Services employees.

“Each day, social workers, caseworkers and DCFS employees put their lives on the line to protect our state’s most vulnerable youth. These children need a guardian angel in their lives to make sure they’re being kept out of danger – and that guardian angel is often a compassionate DCFS employee,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Yet, without greater protections and a more complete workforce, DCFS employees will continue to be put in helpless deadly situations. Tragedies against employees whose main goal is to help our at-risk youth must come to an end – and I am hopeful this legislation is the start.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the death of DCFS specialist Diedre Silas:

“I am absolutely devastated by the loss of Diedre, an incredible person dedicated to protecting our children. She was a remarkable person and worker and she will surely be missed. Though her death was tragic, I will always remember her for the bright soul that she was. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, and I pray they receive justice for her untimely passing.

“Sadly, this isn’t the first DCFS child protection worker who was attacked and murdered on the job. That’s why I will be introducing legislation that will protect employees from these kind of dangers.”

SPRINGFIELD – Restaurants and truck stops will provide their employees with trainings and protocols to recognize the human trafficking problem in the state thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) that took effect Jan. 1.

“Human trafficking is a form of industrialized kidnapping and modern-day slavery that hides in plain sight,” Collins said. “Measures like this begin to confront the problem, which disproportionately affects the number of missing Black girls and women in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – Families across Illinois will now have more resources to help support relatives seeking treatment in mental health facilities under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that took effect in the new year.

“Family members can feel helpless if they aren’t able to receive any updates about the status of a loved one receiving treatment in a mental health facility,” Senator Fine said. “This law will inform families, which will in turn help them create a plan of action to support the individual receiving treatment after discharge.”

MARYVILLE – Madison County residents impacted by the December tornado now have an extension to file their taxes, and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is pleased to see they will have additional time to get their affairs in order.

“Our community bravely faced a natural disaster that struck our community last month,” Crowe said. “During this difficult time, people affected by this devastating storm should focus on recovery for themselves and their families.”

The tax relief announced Thursday will postpone filing deadlines and relieve certain late payment penalties for those hit by storms starting Dec. 10, 2021. Individuals and businesses will have until May 16 to file returns and pay any income taxes originally due during this period, including 2021 individual income tax returns due April 18, and various 2021 business returns normally due March 15 and April 18.

Taxpayers affected by the extension can defer making fourth-quarter estimated tax payments, normally due Jan. 18, and instead include it with the 2021 return they file by May 16.

If filing a return via postal mail, taxpayers should write “Tornado-December 2021” on the top of their returns in red. If filing electronically, taxpayers must notify the department that their return will be delayed by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a social security number, only include the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

“I hope the extra time allotted to prepare, file and pay state taxes will be helpful,” Crowe said.

Tax filing relief is now available to taxpayers who live or have a business in Bond, Cass, Coles, Effingham, Fayette, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike and Shelby counties.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced that victims of severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes beginning December 10, 2021 now have until May 16, 2022, to file various individual and business tax returns and make income tax payments.

“My heart still aches for the residents and businesses affected by the severe tornado storms that ravaged through our communities last December,” said Turner. “May this extension give taxpayers, home and businesses owners additional relief to prepare for tax time without incurring penalties as deadlines approach.”

SPRINGFIELD – To prioritize the safety of first responders, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) championed new requirements drivers must adhere to when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road

“First responders prioritize Illinois residents’ safety every day,” Munoz said. “We need to come together to protect the individuals on the front line who are assisting roadside emergencies. Slow down and move over when approaching any vehicle on the side of the road.”

SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support higher education students across Illinois took effect Jan. 1.

“I have always prioritized education during my time in the Senate, and I believe people will need higher education and job training more than ever after this pandemic,” State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work the General Assembly accomplished this past year to help students flourish in Illinois.”