SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is leading an initiative that would extend the student-assistance contribution tax credit, which passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday. 

“I am proud to sponsor this initiative to help parents get a head start on saving for their children’s college expenses,” Hunter said. “Children who have a savings account are more likely to go to college, so it is important to encourage planning early.”

Senate Bill 340 extends the sunset of the student-assistance contribution tax credit from Dec. 30, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2031. Additionally, this bill provides that for taxable years on or after Dec. 31, 2021, the maximum credit should be $1,000 – rather than the current amount of $500.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring missing persons suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia home safely, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) moved a resolution out of the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday urging increased use of Silver Search programs. 

“Effectively using Silver Search programs can play a vital role in locating a missing loved one,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is crucial to take advantage of every resource we have at our disposal.”

SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast supporter of keeping tobacco out of the hands of children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) passed the Preventing Youth Vaping Act through committee Wednesday.

“Vaping- and e-cigarette-related deaths and illnesses have become a nationwide outbreak that no user is immune to — no matter how young they are,” Morrison said. “We were doing so well on changing the culture of smoking, and now we have gone backward — especially the younger generation.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly Wednesday for a press conference to discuss legislation aimed at modernizing the Firearms Owner Identification card procurement process. 

“The modernization of government services is an ongoing, but necessary process,” Hastings said. “We are undertaking this initiative because of the belief that responsible gun owners should not be penalized due to those who have taken advantage of the existing system,” Hastings said. “By bringing this system into the 21st Century, we can remove burdens from law-abiding gun owners and give law enforcement the ability to hold bad actors accountable.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement after an announcement that Kimberly-Clark, maker of trusted brands including Huggies and Kleenex, will expand its presence in Chicago with a new commercial center for its North American consumer products business:

 “The North American Commercial Center is expected to open in the Fulton Market area of Chicago, which will fall in the district I represent. I am confident that this initiative will create a massive increase in employment, while also providing an economic boost to our community.

“After a year like 2020, bringing employment opportunities to the 5^th District is crucial to the financial recovery of thousands of residents.

“Kimberly-Clark has been a hub for consumers worldwide, and I could not be happier that Chicago will get a taste of its liquidity. I commend everyone involved in this effort, and I will look forward to the center’s launch.”

The announcement was made Wednesday by Governor JB Pritzker, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and World Business Chicago.

SPRINGFIELD – Responding to a crucial need for hundreds more early childhood educators in the coming years, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) passed a plan out of the Senate Higher Education Committee Tuesday to provide new college degrees and an easier path to training for those already working in the field.

“This is not just about providing a brighter future for our kids, but also the people who are already working so hard to help them learn and grow,” Pacione-Zayas said. “We know that high quality early care and education is key to helping our children realize their full potential. We need to remove barriers by expanding access and affordability in this field to show support for the workforce that cares and educates our youngest while families work and pursue educational goals.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that would require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fly the United States, Illinois and prisoner of war/missing in action flags at all state parks passed committee on Wednesday.

“When these flags are flown, they become more than flags, they become a representation of our nation and state, as well as a reminder of the sacrifices brave service members gave to protect the freedoms we all enjoy today,” Belt said.

SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday morning, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined a press conference alongside State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly to discuss legislation to modernize Firearms Owner Identification cards in Illinois.

“Applications for Illinois FOID cards and concealed carry licenses have been backlogged for more than a year, and my office has received countless calls from constituents asking us to fix this problem so they can be compliant with the law,” Bennett said. “Together, we have formed a solution with the Illinois State Police that would help clear the backlog and speed up application processing.”

Senate Bill 1165, an initiative of the ISP, would create a prohibited persons portal to help law enforcement identify people whose FOID cards have been revoked, create a review board to respond to revocations and denials, and enact other changes to make the application and renewal process more efficient.