SPRINGFIELD – More students could represent their schools feeling comfortable, confident and included under a proposed measure from State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) that would allow student athletes to modify their athletic uniforms to adhere to cultural, faith-based or physical comfort requirements.

“Athletic uniforms are about establishing a sense of unity among team members, but in certain situations, they can unintentionally exclude groups of students,” Murphy said. “By allowing athletes more flexibility in the design of their uniforms, we can give every student the opportunity to represent their school with pride.”

SHOREWOOD – Legislation led by Senator Meg LougHran Cappel (D-Shorewood) that is aimed at addressing a glaring gap in financial preparedness among Illinois students passed through the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

“One of the primary goals of our state’s education system is preparing students to lead fulfilling, successful adult lives,” Loughran Cappel said. “Part of that is knowing what to do with your money and practicing good financial habits. These key life skills, which can be carried for a student’s entire life, deserve to be promoted in our schools.”

Lightford celebrates signing of Education and Workforce Development Pillar

MAYWOOD — As part of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ plan to rid Illinois of systemic racism, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined Governor JB Pritzker as he signed House Bill 2170, the Education and Workforce Development Pillar she sponsored, last week.

"House Bill 2170 is a step toward ridding Illinois of the damaging policies and procedures built into our state's systems of law and government that have created deep inequities and opportunity gaps in education for Black students," Lightford said. "It's time for our children to accelerate their education throughout the duration of their careers, from early learning to prestigious universities, followed by successful careers. I’m humbled to have led this effort and look forward to continuing to fight to ensure fairness and equality in Illinois for all our state’s residents."

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Bush measure would allow campaign funds to be used for child care

SPRINGFIELD — Running for elected office calls for a lot of long days, late nights and busy weekends. It can be discouraging for people with children – especially single parents – to chase their desire to serve their communities.

To enable more women – and all parents – to seek public office, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is leading a movement to allow campaign finances to pay for child care.

Read more.

President Harmon applauds state and local aid in federal COVID relief package

SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after Congress passed a $1.9 trillion federal COVID relief package:

“I am glad to see the Biden administration recognize the need states and local governments have for relief in the face of this unprecedented crisis.

“The funds Illinois is receiving will help us distribute vaccines, support local health departments, safely reopen schools and provide direct relief to the hardest hit families."

Read more.

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PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is celebrating the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Rock the FAFSA” week in an effort to encourage students in the 46^th District and across the state to take advantage of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

“With the cost of higher education becoming less affordable with every passing year, it’s important that students considering college make use of this great option,” said Koehler. “FAFSA makes college more attainable, and I highly encourage all students to take the fullest advantage of this program.”

EVANSTON – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced that Evanston is set to receive more than $800,000 in local transportation project funding over the next three years. 

“Investing in our local infrastructure will create new jobs and foster economic development across the 9th District while ensuring our roads and bridges receive the essential improvements they need,” said Senator Fine. “I look forward to seeing the new projects our communities select to enhance our local infrastructure.” 

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) joined Governor Pritzker and other state officials at Loretto Hospital for the bill signing of the Hospital Transformation bill Friday morning.

“I am very excited that hospitals will have the assistance necessary to help them transform to meet the needs of their communities, as the pandemic has exacerbated the struggles faced in many unprivileged communities, some of which I represent,” Hunter said. “Due to institutional racism, communities of color have been suffering from a plethora of health disparities even before the pandemic came and took the world by storm. With the proper funding and investment into these underserved communities, I am hopeful this initiative will help put an end to such barriers.”

The signing of Senate Bill 1510 authorizes the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to expend the dollars identified during the Fiscal Year 2020 Hospital Assessment Program that were targeted for health care transformation. Thus, the $60 million previously allocated will send additional funding to  Illinois through federal matching funds, resulting in a total of $150 million available for investment in improved health care and innovation.

This policy change jump starts a patient-centered approach that focuses on the needs of Illinois’ most distressed communities in a manner that is data driven and outcome oriented.  It calls for innovative solutions to complex challenges in the health care delivery system that incorporates strategies that are grounded by data, community input, and are measurable with an emphasis on outcomes.

“I am excited that this law will target vulnerable communities and allow for the funding of innovative partnerships connecting clinical care and strategies to address the social determinants of health,” Hunter said. “It is vital that we emphasize the value of collaboration between the clinical environment and community-based organizations with expertise in the areas that significantly impact health outcome – and this measure does just that.”

The measure was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

CHICAGO – Over the last year, food insecurity doubled in U.S. the population overall and tripled for Illinois households with kids, which is why State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is supporting a roadmap to end hunger in the state of Illinois.

“Too many people were struggling from food insecurity and lack of access to nourishment far before the pandemic,” said Hunter. “Lack of nourishment is linked to a plethora of health problems and must be put to an end. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, regardless of race, region, or income. I am happy to support this initiative and hope to see these disparities eradicated in Illinois.”

CHICAGO – Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a new law that invests $150 million in health care services for underserved communities while encouraging a collaborative environment among local stakeholders. The approach acknowledges particular challenges to achieving high-quality health services and responds based on a case-by-case system.

“This is a bottom-up approach for all communities in Illinois. Ultimately, we want to make sure that no matter where you live in our state, there should be high-quality health care available to every community,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago), a co-sponsor of the law and advocate for the Hospital Transformation Program.

The disparities in access to health care services in the city of Chicago alone are so extreme that the neighborhood where someone lives can dramatically impact their life expectancy.