SPRINGFIELD – To ensure schools are sensitive to the health and wellness of students of all backgrounds, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) sponsored a plan to permit students to avoid rigorous physical activity during periods of religious fasting, which has been approved by both chambers of the Illinois legislature.

“Common PE activities like running and playing sports can be particularly exhausting—and even dangerous—when kids are hungry,” Johnson said. “The passage of this bill shows Illinois’ commitment to the health and safety of kids across all our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – Any person who has been convicted for a drug-related offense under state or federal law is prohibited from being eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, but State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is leading an initiative to reverse that restriction, which passed the Senate Thursday.

“Even after people serve their time, they still struggle when reentering society, as many of their rights have been taken from them,” Van Pelt. “They are released and ready to make a change—but laws like the restriction on TANF limit their ability to make a better life for themselves.”

SPRINGFIELD – Epilepsy specialists would be reimbursed by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for providing telehealth treatment services under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which passed the Senate Thursday.

“Telehealth has become beneficial for many individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this measure will help ensure Illinoisans can seek treatment in the way that’s most comfortable for them,” Senator Fine said.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans filing claims for disability benefits would not be required to pay for mandatory copies of medical records under legislation from State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which passed the Senate Thursday.

“Individuals applying for benefits should not have to jump through hoops and pay unnecessary fees for records required to file benefits claims,” Senator Fine said. “Benefit programs should help people struggling financially, not add to their financial burden.”

PARK FOREST – With many people expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and law enforcement across the state for the national ‘Border to Border’ campaign, which increases seatbelt patrols and enforcement zones through Memorial Day.

“This weekend will kick off a return to summer recreation, so it’s important that every person riding in a vehicle wears their seatbelt and carefully travels to their destination,” Joyce said. “Wearing your seatbelt is the best way to protect yourself in case of an accident, and I urge all drivers and passengers to remember to do so anytime they get in a vehicle.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to a CNBC report, 15% of American have no retirements savings. State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) wants to change that by expanding the Secure Choice Savings Program – Illinois’ landmark program to help everyone save for retirement.

“Saving for retirement is hard, and people honestly need help,” Martwick said. “We’ve already seen that the Secure Choice Savings Program makes a difference. Having retirement savings taken directly out of your paycheck before you ever see the money reduces the temptation to spend it.”

The program creates a default retirement savings program for people whose employers don’t provide retirement plans, which they must opt out of if they don’t want to participate.

SPRINGFIELD – Local park districts would have more time to complete projects funded through the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), which has passed both chambers of the Illinois legislature.

“The COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on many local governments’ development plans, and some are still working to get back on schedule,” Murphy said. “I’m thrilled to see the Illinois legislature come together to give park districts the support, flexibility and time they need to recover at their own pace.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that would allow the student member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to retain their seat until a new member is appointed passed the General Assembly on Thursday.

“It’s important that there’s always student representation on the Student Assistance Commission,” Ellman said. “It can’t truly perform its mission without the student perspective.”