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Senate Democrats outline college affordability plan

Details
Category: Member News
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 01:01 PM
  • Video
  • Bennett
  • Higher Education
  • Fine
  • Murphy
  • Tax Credit
  • MAP Grants
  • SB819
  • SB3856
  • SB1145

Sen. Scott Bennett, Sen. Laura Murphy, Sen. Laura Fine

SPRINGFIELD – The burdensome costs of textbooks and course materials for college students often deters them from making the purchase, which in turn can cause a learning barrier and hinder a student’s grades. Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined a plan during a press conference Wednesday to break down those barriers.

Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is leading a measure – Senate Bill 819 – to allow students who receive MAP Grants to use the funds for room and board, as well as coursework materials including books, software and website access. Currently, MAP Grants can only be used for tuition and necessary fee costs.

“While there are initiatives that ease the financial burden of higher education, there are many essentials to university success, such as textbooks, electronics, and nearby housing, that are often overlooked,” Senator Fine said. “We need to make these resources more accessible to students from all economic backgrounds so that they can be successful as they pursue their education.”

Read more: Senate Democrats outline college affordability plan

Koehler’s measure to offer plant-based school lunches passes the Senate

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 10:14 AM
  • Koehler
  • Students
  • Plant-Based Meal Options
  • HB 4089

Senator Koehler

 

SPRINGFIELD – The Senate voted Tuesday to support a measure by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to offer plant-based lunch options to students across Illinois.

“Some students may only be able to depend on one meal a day,” said Koehler. “It’s incredibly important for all students to have access to a well-rounded, nutritious meal during the school day that meets their dietary needs.”

Under House Bill 4089, school districts would be required to provide a plant-based school lunch option that complies with federal nutritional standards to any student who submits a prior request.

Read more: Koehler’s measure to offer plant-based school lunches passes the Senate

Feigenholtz pushes for $125 million grant funding for bars, breweries, restaurants, venues

Details
Category: Senator Sara Feigenholtz News
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 10:11 AM
  • Feigenholtz
  • Local Businesses
  • Build Back Better
  • SB 4178

Senator Feigenholtz

 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is pushing for additional funding to help struggling bars, breweries, restaurants, food trucks, venues and others.

“Local business owners continue to reach out to their legislators from around the state for help,” Feigenholtz said. “Their PPP has been spent. Many were not eligible for state grants or did not receive SBA funding. In order to save our small businesses, we must do more.”

The Build Back Better plan that stalled in Congress would have provided an additional $5 billion in relief for small businesses. In light of the federal program, Feigenholtz filed Senate Bill 4178, which would appropriate $125 million from federal funds to provide a lifeline to keep our small companies afloat.

Read more: Feigenholtz pushes for $125 million grant funding for bars, breweries, restaurants, venues

Will County businesses to receive recovery assistance thanks to Connor support

Details
Category: Senator John Connor News
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 09:42 AM
  • DCEO
  • Connor
  • ARPA
  • Back to Business

connor 033022LOCKPORT – Local businesses in Will County were awarded more than $3.3 million in assistance from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).

“As we see the pandemic subside, businesses are still in recovery from the past two years,” Connor said. “The support brought to our communities through the Back to Business program has made the difference between some businesses having to close their doors or continue to thrive.”

Read more: Will County businesses to receive recovery assistance thanks to Connor support

Morrison measure to limit single-use plastics in recreational areas heads to governor

Details
Category: Senator Julie A. Morrison News
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 06:37 PM
  • Morrison
  • SB 1915

Senator MorrisonSPRINGFIELD – To put the state on a path toward increased sustainability, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a measure to cut back on single-use plastic being sent to landfills.

“It’s simple: We need to protect our animals and our health from hazardous materials placed in landfills,” Morrison said. “Eliminating plastic use at our parks is a small step we can take to make a big difference.”

Read more: Morrison measure to limit single-use plastics in recreational areas heads to governor

Fine tackles gap in women’s health insurance, ensures coverage for medically required breast reduction surgery

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 06:37 PM
  • Women's Health
  • Fine
  • Breast Reduction
  • HB4271

Sen. Laura Fine

SPRINGFIELD — Women who medically require a breast reduction surgery could soon get this procedure covered by their insurance, thanks to a new measure led by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

“For far too long, essential medical procedures for women’s health have been overlooked by insurers,” Senator Fine said. “This measure will make sure that women’s health is prioritized and covered by all private insurance under state law.”

Read more: Fine tackles gap in women’s health insurance, ensures coverage for medically required breast...

Senate Democrats introduce Strengthening Illinois Families and Children package

Details
Category: Senator Celina Villanueva News
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 06:30 PM
  • Lightford
  • Aquino
  • Villanueva
  • Pacione-Zayas
  • Simmons
  • SB2132
  • SB3774
  • Strengthening Illinois Families and Children
  • SB3180
  • SB3987
  • SB3993
  • SB4198

villanueva presser 032922SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined child care advocates and parents on Tuesday to introduce a slate of legislation that would invest in families and children.

“To strengthen the lives of Illinois children, we have to ensure families have the freedom to give their children richer and fuller lives,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By investing in their potential, we also indirectly construct more equitable communities that offer greater opportunities for growth.”

Read more: Senate Democrats introduce Strengthening Illinois Families and Children package

Murphy’s Republic of Ireland Day measure passes Senate

Details
Category: Senator Laura Murphy News
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 04:38 PM
  • Murphy
  • HB 4811
  • Irish-Americans
  • Republic of Ireland Day

greenshirt murphy

 

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is one step closer to officially designating official events held on the Republic of Ireland Day in Illinois, adding to the existing statute establishing April 18 in honor of Irish-American Illinoisians.

“It is important for us to honor the one million Irish-Americans who call Illinois home and the lasting contributions they have made on our state,” Murphy said. “Designating this day will show our respect for Irish-Americans’ history, culture, and impact to our communities.”

On April 18, 1949, Ireland officially declared itself independent from Great Britain. Therefore, this date is significant to many Irish-Americans, and many events and celebrations are held in its honor across the state.

Read more: Murphy’s Republic of Ireland Day measure passes Senate

More Articles …

  1. Castro supports measure to help women afford medically necessary procedures
  2. Pacione-Zayas spearheads measure to designate part of Milwaukee Avenue as a Polish Heritage Corridor
  3. Glowiak Hilton introduces plan to codify Organized Retail Crime, bring offenders to justice
  4. Loughran Cappel measure to address school staffing shortages clears Senate
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