SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois heads toward a greener future, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is advancing a measure to incentivize the use of electric motorcycles, which have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional ones.

“From the landmark climate legislation we passed last year, to a recent law incentivizing electric vehicle companies to take up shop here, Illinois has done a lot to ensure a clean energy future,” Cullerton said. “We want to make sure no one is left out of the transition to electric vehicles.”

The landmark Clean and Equitable Jobs Act included a provision to offer people who purchase electric cars in Illinois a rebate to help incentivize the transition to cleaner cars. Cullerton’s measure, Senate Bill 2940, would extend a rebate to those who purchase electric motorcycles.   

SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) to allow Illinoisans to operate motor vehicles if in possession of a digitized mobile driver’s license, or “mDL,” was heard in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“Easier identification for residents is beneficial to the motorist, police officers, and for the public,” Connor said. “Our Secretary of State here in Illinois is working with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators to prepare for this, as are other states and tech giants such as Apple and Google. “

Senate Bill 3096 as filed would allow Illinoisans to utilize driver’s licenses in digital form to operate motor vehicles and in connection with traffic stops or checkpoints.

SPRINGFIELD – A 2019 Dove study found that African American women face the highest rates of hair discrimination and are more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) introduced legislation to end that practice in Illinois.

“No one should have to miss out on a job opportunity or miss a school graduation because of the hair that grows naturally out of their head,” Hunter said. “It’s 2022. As a nation, we should be past this petty discrimination.”

Senate Bill 3616 – also known as the Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act – amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to provide that the term “race” includes traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists.

The Dove study also uncovered that 80% of African American women felt they needed to switch their hairstyle to align with more conservative standards in order to fit in at work.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase microchip production and attract companies to invest in Illinois, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation to create a series of tax credits to support the semiconductor industry.

“The United States depends on microchip imports to fulfill local needs,” said Glowiak Hilton, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “With semiconductor supply chain and worker shortages intensified by the pandemic, we can use this opportunity to build the industry in Illinois and create job opportunities for residents.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is aiming to exempt breast pumps and related supplies from all sales taxes with a measure that passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday.

“Tax exemptions on breast pump supplies will empower mothers to prioritize their nursing without having to forsake their economic needs,” Villanueva said. “Breast feeding is a natural part of child care, and reducing the financial obstacles mothers face helps them make healthy decisions that benefit both them and their babies.”

Senate Bill 3634 will help mothers afford important breastfeeding supplies, avoid supplementing feedings with formula and maintain their milk supply by removing the sales tax on these products.

SPRINGFIELD – To recruit more volunteer firefighters, a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that would provide an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday.

“After hearing from local fire departments, it is clear we need to find a way to get more people to sign up to join our volunteer fire departments,” Belt said. “It is my hope that providing a tax credit for volunteers who serve at least nine months will encourage more long-term volunteers.”

Senate Bill 3027 would provide a $500 income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who are a member or work for a fire department or fire protection district for at least nine months and do not receive more than $10,000 for their volunteer services during the taxable year. Current law does not provide a tax credit. Other states that offer a similar credit include New York, Iowa and Maryland.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advanced a measure from the Senate Pensions Committee on Wednesday to address the teacher shortage in Chicago Public Schools.

“This teacher shortage is affecting schools nationally as well as in our state,” Hunter said. “We must do everything we can to ensure qualified teachers are in the classrooms so that our children can get the education they deserve.”

Senate Bill 4000 would allow retired members of Chicago Teachers Pension Fund to be re-employed as a teacher or administrator for up to 140 days on a temporary non-annual basis without his or her retirement annuity being cancelled. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is leading a measure aimed at growing the mental health professional workforce in Illinois, as the current workforce is struggling to keep up with increasing demand.

“The shortage of behavioral health care professionals is a huge roadblock for people seeking quality mental health care,” said Sen. Fine. “I am committed to addressing this pressing issue to ensure people have access to the best mental health care possible, and that providers are supported during these unprecedented times.”

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely because of this gap. This can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.

To address these issues, SB 3617 focuses on expanding the current workforce. It will accelerate the process for out of state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois, as well as suspending requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with licenses that have been inactive for five years. Additionally, it includes initiatives to support diversity in the mental health field, establishing tax credits, and many more provisions, all of which will encourage more quality, accessible care to those seeking assistance.

“It takes bravery to reach out to get treatment for a mental or behavioral health condition,” Fine said. “I hope that this measure will not only reduce the gap between available providers and patients, but also encourage people to find the provider that is the best fit for their mental health needs.”  

Senate Bill 3617 passed the Behavioral and Mental Health committee Tuesday. It now goes to the Senate floor for debate.