CHICAGO – State Senators Omar Aquino and Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) spoke out about their legislation to help working families make ends meet at a Monday press conference.

Aquino showcased Senate Bill 3774, which seeks to increase the earned income tax credit for working families. This bill would incrementally increase the amount of the Earned Income Credit from an amount equal to 18% of the federal earned income tax credit, year over year.

"The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted working families in Illinois. The federal government and we in state government worked to support our communities in need with rental and mortgage assistance, among many other programs, but we need to do more,” Aquino said. “The Earned Income Credit will put money in working-class people's pockets. It's their hard-earned dollars that will support their day-to-day needs.”

CHICAGO – As the state and country loosen COVID-19 restrictions, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) issued a statement regarding the health concerns associated with the pandemic for children and people who are immunocompromised:

“This past winter, the Omicron surge was responsible for 20% of all child deaths from COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. This statistic instigates the need for continued action as the pandemic continues.

“Because children under five are still unable to get vaccinated, they are at a much higher risk for infection and acute illness, warranting the need for continued masking for them as well as immunocompromised people.

CHICAGO – In order to combat the opioid epidemic, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are supporting the 2022 State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan, a comprehensive, equity-centric outline to change how Illinois deals with overdoses.

This plan prioritizes outreach to and engagement with individuals who are at risk for both fatal and non-fatal overdose due to drugs like synthetic opioids, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other substances.

“Illinoisans have been battling more than one pandemic. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid overdoses and opioid-related deaths have increased significantly,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “I am glad that we have a plan to address this crisis on a state level. As the convener of the Southside Heroin and Opioid Task Force, I am dedicated to increasing access to better treatment and prevention options for those who struggle with substance abuse.”

Collins: Transparency from the Department of Insurance is promising

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) reflects on the compliance of the Illinois Department of Insurance to investigate auto insurance charges during the pandemic.

“As a proud advocate for the prevention of predatory business practices, I am pleased the Illinois Department of Insurance responded to the demands of myself, my colleagues and advocacy organizations,” Collins said. “The investigation is the first step in facilitating accountability within our financial institutions.”

Read more.

Belt, local leaders outline measure to encourage long-term volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel

BELLEVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) joined local community leaders to highlight a measure that would help recruit more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by providing an income tax credit at a press conference Friday.

"People rely on first responders when they are in a crisis," Belt said. "Providing an incentive for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to encourage them to stay longer ensures that the fire departments have sufficient resources and residents know that emergency responders can act quickly."

Read more.

Murphy measure provides relief for middle-class college students

SPRINGFIELD – Affording higher education could get easier for middle class students in Illinois, thanks to a new measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“Middle class families often struggle with the cost of higher education,” Murphy said. “This measure can provide some relief to ease this financial burden that many working parents face."

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Senate Democrats announce initiative to improve behavioral health services for children

SPRINGFIELD – To bring more resources to the health and well-being of children across Illinois, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus helped launch the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative alongside Governor JB Pritzker.

There are many existing state programs for children with behavioral health issues, such as psychiatric care, outpatient mental health and behavioral health treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and residential or inpatient programming. However, the lack of coordination between state agencies in the past has allowed children with the greatest needs to fall through the cracks and not receive these essential treatments, or be denied access to them due to financial constraints.

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – To bring more resources to the health and wellbeing of children across Illinois, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus helped launch the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative alongside Governor JB Pritzker.

“Today is a big day for our children, and I am glad that Governor Pritzker is taking this step in bringing together state agencies to coordinate efforts across the government and the state toward better mental health for our children,” said Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). “I also am very happy that our very own 7th District agency, Lawrence Hall, will play a major part in the transformation."

BELLEVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) joined local community leaders to highlight a measure that would help recruit more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by providing an income tax credit at a press conference Friday.

“People rely on first responders when they are in a crisis,” Belt said. “Providing an incentive for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to encourage them to stay longer ensures that the fire departments have sufficient resources and residents know that emergency responders can act quickly in an emergency.” 

SPRINGFIELD – Families of first responders that were killed in the line of duty may soon have additional support thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) serves as a chief cosponsor of House Bill 4161, which would require an option on state individual income tax returns to donate to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, several forms of financial support, access to training, and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders throughout the state.

SPRINGFIELD –To honor the one million Irish-Americans living in Illinois, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is working to designate April 18 as the Republic of Ireland Day in Illinois.

“I am proud that my district is home to a diverse group of immigrants and the descendants of immigrants, a large group of whom are of Irish descent,” Murphy said. “It is important for us to commemorate the lasting impact Irish-Americans have made by designating this day.”

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