SPRINGFIELD – A bill by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure the provisions in the Community Health Worker Advisory Board Act are fully implemented advanced out of the Senate Thursday night.

“I am happy that the health care pillar was passed, and now we have to make sure that every measure is implemented the way we intended,” Hunter said. “With this follow-up legislation, we can finally bring the proper certification to these essential health workers.”

Senate Bill 336 will progress the full implementation of the community health worker certification program that was part of this spring’s House Bill 158. It also makes changes to reporting dates for commissions, task forces and boards.

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CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed a resolution in the Illinois Senate that declares Nov. 4, 2021 as Diwali Day in Illinois.

“I am honored to celebrate Diwali as an official holiday this year,” Villivalam said. “Our communities that observe Diwali are grateful to live in a welcoming state that values the religious and cultural diversity of its residents.”

Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs worldwide. It celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, symbolically represented by a festival of lights. Celebrants of Diwali traditionally light small oil lamps throughout their homes, craft flower garlands, share sweets and launch paper lanterns after dark.

Senate Resolution 593 passed without opposition in the Illinois Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) led his colleagues in passing the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act, a historic measure to preserve and create jobs in Illinois and incentivize electric vehicle manufacturers to create more jobs in the state.

“This is a massive field that has so much room to grow, and we want to encourage these companies to set up shop in Illinois,” Stadelman said. “Many regions will see this as an economic opportunity that could bring jobs to residents and make a lasting impact on their community.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) sponsored a resolution to recognize Oct. 28 as First Responders Day in Illinois.

This designated day recognizes and remembers the first responders lost and extends gratitude to all first responders for continuously putting their lives on the line for the citizens of Illinois.

“First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe,” Joyce said. “That’s why we have dedicated this day as a way to celebrate the courage and strength of these remarkable emergency workers in our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – To give parents and students in the Chicago Public Schools a stronger voice in how they operate, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) sponsored a measure to further empower Local School Councils (in Chicago while the Board of Education transitions to an elected school board.

“With the passage of the historic Chicago School Reform Act in 1988, Chicago Public Schools leads the nation in facilitating participatory democracy for students, community members and parents through the vehicle of Local School Councils,” Pacione-Zayas said. “By expanding student representation, restoring LSC powers, and transitioning appointed Local School Councils to elected bodies, we are providing greater inclusion and opportunity to increase equity to best serve local school communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – Airline employees may soon have sick time flexibility, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined members of the Senate to pass House Bill 106, which allows airline employees to use already-earned sick time to care for sick family members.

“For far too long, airlines have been forcing hard working employees to choose between their livelihood and the health and well-being of their family members,” Hastings said. “It is about time that airlines join the many nationwide corporations in supporting their employees and adopting humane work policies.”

SPRINGFIELD – Communities in central Illinois and across the state would receive quicker and more reliable emergency medical services under legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that advanced out of the Senate on Wednesday.

“By not allowing qualified and certified emergency medical personnel to work in their field, we run the risk of denying lifesaving care to our communities,” Koehler said. ‘This legislation works to ensure that our EMS providers are well-staffed, and that emergency care in Illinois is efficient and reliable.”

House Bill 2431 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to adopt rules that would allow EMS personnel who have both been certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and have applied for licensure to operate on provisional status.

SPRINGFIELD – School district, community college and public university employees who are required to isolate or quarantine due to contracting or being exposed to COVID-19 may be given as many administrative leave days as necessary thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Teachers have faced so many challenges since the pandemic began,” Belt said. “From remote learning to hybrid learning, teachers continue to make sacrifices for their students. They shouldn’t have to worry about using their personal time when they need to take time off due to COVID-19.”