CHICAGO – Many additional organizations that provide rape crisis services will be able to receive state recognition after legislation sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) was signed Friday. Simmons says the new law will facilitate quick access to critical resources for survivors.

“The current definition of rape crisis center is too narrow and excludes a lot of great organizations,” Simmons said. “Organizations that share locations with other services or that provide rape crisis in tandem with other services can’t get the necessary certification, which severely limits their ability to provide help to the people who need it.”

CHICAGO – To help clarify the Department of Children and Family Services’ role in assessing the living situations of children placed with parents out of state, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) spearheaded a law signed Friday that lays out clear guidelines for when DCFS can assess these living arrangements. 

“We have a clear duty to children who are or have been in state care, and it can’t be hindered by confusion over geographical lines,” Pacione-Zayas said. “This legislation will help fill in the gaps in current policy and make it easier for DCFS to do its job to protect our state’s children.”

CHICAGO – To better serve undocumented and immigrant communities, legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that would allow municipal ID cards to be used to access state services and facilities was signed into law today.

“All residents of Illinois, regardless of immigration status, should be able to receive essential state services,” Villivalam said. “Today Illinois renews its commitment to undocumented and immigrant communities that we are the most welcoming state in the nation.”

CHICAGO – So that students better understand the naturalization process, a measure introduced by State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) that would allow schools to offer courses on naturalization and citizenship was signed into law today.

“More than two-thirds of students who take the U.S. Citizenship test in their history courses end up failing,” Villanueva said. “Schools may now offer instruction on citizenship so that students from all backgrounds know the effort it takes to go through the naturalization process.”

PARK FOREST – A comprehensive proposal by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) aimed at eliminating Illinois’ teacher shortage was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“The teacher shortage in Illinois is a crisis, and this new law offers strategies to reverse the trend,” Joyce said. “As school districts return to in-person learning this fall, this new law will grant retired teachers the ability to substitute teach for more hours without impairing their retirement status.”

Honoring the legacy of former Senator William Haine

The Senate Democratic Caucus is saddened to learn of the passing of former colleague and state senator of the 56th district, William Haine. Haine retired from the Senate on Jan. 8, 2019, the last day of the 100th General Assembly.

The former Madison County State’s Attorney focused much of his work in the Senate on criminal law, insurance, the judiciary and veterans affairs. Haine and his wife Anna had seven children, 38 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, so his retiring to spend time with family was a full-time endeavor. Read more about Haine's legacy and statements from his colleagues here.

Governor signs Bennett plan to prevent pharmaceutical companies from hiding drug prices

CHAMPAIGN – A proposal passed by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) requiring pharmaceutical companies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.

“The signing of this legislation establishes truth and transparency for the pharmaceutical industry,” Bennett said. “With this new law on the books, consumers will have the ability to make informed decisions about where to buy their prescriptions.”

Read more.

Castro celebrates signing of legislation to empower immigrant victims of crime to report

SPRINGFIELD – A measure spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) to enhance the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors Act in order to encourage people to report crimes without fear of jeopardizing their immigration status was signed into law.

“Everyone deserves to be able to protect themselves from crime, and a big part of that is having the ability to report wrongs against them or their loved ones to law enforcement,” Castro said. “The VOICES Act and these enhancements will help both victims harmed by criminal activity and law enforcement looking to investigate the criminal activity.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Christopher Belt, Swansea: Gov. Pritzker signs seven pieces of legislation further honoring and protecting Illinois service members | MyRadioLink

Senator John Connor, Lockport: Pritzker signs juvenile justice reform bill | WAND

Senators Laura Ellman, Naperville, Adriane Johnson, Buffalo Grove, and Ram Villivalam, Chicago: Gov. Pritzker signs legislation protecting religious freedom and commemorating Muhammad Ali | Riverbender.com

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CHICAGO – A measure led by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) to expand the amount of birthing center licenses in Illinois was signed into law Friday by Governor JB Pritzker.

“Tragically, 75 women die every year while pregnant or within a year of pregnancy,” Van Pelt said. “It is even more heartbreaking to know that four out of five pregnancy-related deaths could have been preventable. That is why this measure is so important – we must do everything we can to combat the issues of maternal mortality, including increasing birthing centers.”

SPRINGFIELD – All service officers and supervisors for the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be required to be honorably discharged veterans under legislation sponsored by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) signed into law Friday.

“When our servicemen and women are coming to the VA looking for assistance, we need to be sure that they are able to work with someone who has been in their shoes and who is best able to give them the help they deserve,” Connor said. “By putting our veterans in touch with others who have honorably served, we are putting them on a path for success.”