SPRINGFIELD — To safeguard working moms, caregivers and others from being overlooked in hiring decisions because of their responsibilities outside of work, State Senator Natalie Toro is championing legislation aimed at prohibiting employer discrimination based on family obligations.

“It is extremely unfair for employers to decide that someone cannot fulfill their duties because they have family obligations, with no proof that this has or would interfere with their capability to be a good employee,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This gap in the Human Rights Act has allowed many Illinoisans to miss out on major career opportunities because of employers’ biases, and it is long past time to take a stand against these labor practices.” 

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus attended the 31^st annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.

“Today, we are reminded of our fearless firefighters in our community who protect us every day,” said State Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “As we honor their memory, let us continue our support for those who serve on the front lines, protecting us from harm.”

The Illinois Firefighter Memorial honors the courageous firefighters of Illinois who have valiantly given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve with courage, pride and honor. The ceremony also gives families of fallen firefighters the Line of Duty Death Award in recognition of their loved ones’ bravery and resilience.

SPRINGFIELD – To make canceling physical fitness services easier for customers, State Senator Javier Cervantes is moving legislation to require these services have easy and simple ways to cancel a contract.

“This is a simple matter of updating business practices to fit with modern times,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Giving consumers simple and efficient methods to cancel their subscription or contract is one way we can ensure residents are not falling victim to automatically renewing payments for services they no longer use.”

Under the new legislation, businesses offering physical fitness services like gym memberships would need to allow customers to cancel their contract either online or by email, instead of only by mail.

Faraci extends utility assistance program for low-income households

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced legislation to extend the Energy Assistance Act, which provides low-income households with financial assistance on utility bills.

“Every resident in our state should have access to essential services,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “The ability to heat or cool your home should be a fundamental right, not a privilege.”

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Harris advances measure to increase transparency for homeowners

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III advanced a measure to increase transparency of homeowner insurance policy coverage.

“When you choose a homeowner insurance policy you should have a full picture of what the policy covers,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This legislation empowers homeowners to make educated financial decisions about their homeowner insurance policies.”

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Glowiak Hilton measure would prohibit pharmacy refusal of prescriptions

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to make medication more accessible to Illinoisans, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading an initiative to prohibit pharmacists from refusing to fill a written prescription.

“If your doctor writes a prescription for medication you need, you should not be refused at your local pharmacy,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “All residents should be able to access their medication regardless of how the prescription is sent to the pharmacy.”

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Leader Lightford introduces measure to regulate hemp, delta-8 products

SPRINGFIELD – Parents across the state continue to receive the call no one wants to receive: the call that their child has consumed delta-8 THC and is being transported to the hospital. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is spearheading a measure to regulate these pervasive, unlicensed products.

“We are working diligently to protect consumers of all ages, help our cannabis industry flourish, keep the promise to our social equity communities, and not stifle reputable hemp business establishments,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Effective regulation is about safeguarding public health and fostering a sustainable, trustworthy market.”

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Senate Democrats adjust floor dress code for a good cause

SPRINGFIELD – In place of the traditional loafers, high heels and flats, the Illinois Senate Democrats arrived to the chamber floor last Tuesday in their sneakers, a jarringly causal look compared to their usual attire in the General Assembly.

However, this wardrobe change wasn’t because they wanted to be more comfortable during the longer session days – members of the caucus were participating in the American Cancer Society’s nationwide Suits and Sneakers campaign to raise awareness of cancer prevention, screening and early detection.

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Sound of the State: Combatting Problem Gambling

Access to gambling is on the rise and with it has come an increase in addictive gambling behaviors. State Senator Julie Morrison sat down with Dr. Aaron Weiner, a psychologist who specializes in addiction, to discuss the importance of her bill which will increase resources for people struggling with a gambling disorder.

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – Celebrating the vibrant role parks play in enhancing our communities, State Senator Willie Preston welcomed the Oak Lawn Park District to the Capitol for Parks Day this week.

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome constituents from the Sweet 16th District to the Capitol,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The parks in our district play a huge role in community engagement, giving youth and their families a place to come together to socialize in a safe and accessible place.”

Illinois Parks Day is an annual celebration of the green spaces that form the heart of our neighborhoods across Illinois. Over 50 organizations across the state gathered in the Capitol on Tuesday, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about park services, including park districts, forest preserves, and conservation and recreation agencies.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine proclaimed May 15, 2024 as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Day to recognize residents living from the disease and increase awareness of symptoms and treatment options.

“Over 50,000 Americans live with tuberous sclerosis complex, but others go without being properly diagnosed because symptoms go unnoticed,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “There is no known cure for this disease, and individuals must be informed if they are to be treated properly and make important decisions about their health.”

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, skin, liver and lungs. The disease is known to be the leading genetic cause for epilepsy and autism and is as common as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

SPRINGFIELD – Parents across the state continue to receive the call no one wants to receive: the call that their child has consumed delta-8 THC and is being transported to the hospital. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is spearheading a measure to regulate these pervasive, unlicensed products.

“We are working diligently to protect consumers of all ages, help our cannabis industry flourish, keep the promise to our social equity communities, and not stifle reputable hemp business establishments,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Effective regulation is about safeguarding public health and fostering a sustainable, trustworthy market.”

A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than 11% of high school seniors report using delta-8. In response, Lightford is sponsoring Senate Bill 776 to regulate hemp derived THC, including delta-8 products.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is pleased to announce that two businesses within the 34^th District have been awarded grants through the Made in Illinois Grant Program.

“The Made in Illinois Grant Program is a crucial tool in our commitment to enhancing the industrial base of Illinois,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Providing local manufacturers with the resources they need to thrive in a competitive global market will ensure a boost to the local economy.”

The program, which provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding, is dedicated to fostering innovation and strategic advancements within the Illinois manufacturing sector. Forty recipients across the state were awarded a combined total of $1.7 million.