SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement regarding the tragic loss of life of Deidra Silas, a Department of Children and Family Services’ employee. Silas was stabbed to death in Thayer Tuesday afternoon while performing a home visit.

“The senseless death of Deidre Silas, a DCFS investigator who dedicated her career to helping at-risk youth, is devastating. My heart goes out to all who love her during this difficult time.”

“The work is challenging, and can clearly be dangerous. One death in the line of service is too many. We must do a better job of protecting those who serve in positions like these.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Chicago Teacher’s Union voted to return to remote learning Tuesday night:  

“This is a trying time for all of us. The education of our children is a primary concern; however, the safety of our children and our educators must be our highest concern. I trust the experts who are closest to this problem to create safe, equitable solutions.

“Though vaccinations and booster shots are widely available, COVID-19 and its variants are to be taken seriously. Educators have triumphed through a lot of the pandemic’s challenges, and they should be trusted to do what is best for the health of their classrooms.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) is in full support of the Chicago Teacher’s Union decision to return to remote learning after a vote Tuesday night.

“With the recent rise in cases it is crucial that we keep our children and educators safe during this time, which makes remote schooling the best option,” Jones said. “It is shameful that the City of Chicago would lock teachers out of their portals, inhibiting them from doing their jobs and blocking access to the resources needed for teaching.”

Though CTU instructed its members to work remotely, CPS has not accepted the decision, cancelling all classes, sporting events and extracurricular activities scheduled for Wednesday.

However, food service was still available at schools between 9 a.m. and noon, and COVID testing and vaccination events will continue as scheduled.

“Our primary concern should be the children – their needs and their safety,” Jones said. “The union voted to temporarily bring back e-learning and they should be supported in their decision. Anything in opposition would disrupt the children’s learning further, and they don’t need any more setbacks.”

CTU cited rising numbers of COVID-19 cases among students and teachers as part of the reason for the switch to remote learning. CPS has been criticized for not providing adequate testing and better-quality masking and other protocols in the wake of the omicron surge.

HB 572 works to stop predatory contract loan practice in pet stores; HB 168 addresses animal cruelty in public housing

SPRINGFIELD – A longtime animal rights advocate in the Illinois State Senate, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) had two of her new laws highlighted in the Illinois Senate Democrats’ annual feature on top new laws.

HB 572 prohibits the predatory lending practice by pet stores who charge high lending rates for customers purchasing high priced pets on credit.  Pet stores in Illinois who offer installment contract loans for the purchase of a cat or dog may no longer offer that service.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement regarding the tragic loss of life of Deidra Silas, a Department of Children and Family Services’ employee. Silas was stabbed to death in Thayer Tuesday afternoon while performing a home visit.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of Deidre Silas, a dedicated DCFS employee. Her top priority was helping some of the most vulnerable, at-risk children in our state. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Deidre.

“This is not the first employee death we have seen at DCFS in recent years. I, alongside other legislators, will immediately call upon Director Smith to review the agency’s policies to ensure no other life of someone called to protect our children is brutally lost.”

SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support veterans across Illinois went into effect Jan. 1.

“Prioritizing our veterans who have given so much for our country is always a top priority,” State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), a veteran and chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work conducted during the spring and fall sessions to bring us these new laws to help our military members and veterans thrive in Illinois.”

Happy New Year

We wrapped up 2021 and the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus wants to thank you for your work to keep your community safe through another year of the pandemic. We wish you a happy New Year, and hope it brings joy, happiness and health!

New year, new laws

As the new year starts, a number of new laws take effect – and many might just help your daily life.

Nearly 300 laws are officially on the books as of Jan. 1 – from one that gives students excused mental health days, to another that ensures pharmacies are being up front about their prices.

The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus has selected 10 new laws we think may be of interest to you.

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CHAMPAIGN – To lift up area residents in need of a helping hand, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is hosting a collection drive to benefit the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Champaign during January.

“Organizations like the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen continue to need our support during these challenging times,” Bennett said. “I’m spearheading this hygiene product drive to help replenish the stock at the soup kitchen and ensure no one goes without proper hygiene products during the winter months.”

Bennett’s office is collecting new products including deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, hand lotion, hand warmers, chapstick, gloves, hats, socks, scarves and small treats. Hygiene items can be dropped off at Bennett’s district office located at 45 E. University Ave., Suite 206 in Champaign.