CHICAGO — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz was recognized Thursday with the Advocate Award at LAGBAC’s Lawyers for Diversity celebration for her decades-long work in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“The privilege I have of working alongside the LGBTQIA+ legal community cannot be understated,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Standing alongside the passionate, sharp minds of the legal community and the street fighters and activists who got us here has been nothing short of breathtaking.”

Feigenholtz has been a career-long advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has consistently worked to prevent gender- and sexual identity-based discrimination, secured millions in HIV/AIDS prevention funding, strengthened Illinois’ hate crime laws, protected reproductive freedom and access to gender-affirming care, modernized inclusive language on birth and marriage certificates, expanded adoption protections for same-sex couples and more.

Senate Democrats celebrate over $25 million in grant funding to support renewable energy projects

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are helping lead Illinois’ efforts to be a nationwide leader in investing in environmental sustainability by supporting a $25.5 million investment for the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program.

“This grant funding opportunity will allow folks from across Illinois to help create a greener future,” said State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria), one of the leading supporters of the initiative in the Senate. “The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program is essential to leveling the green energy playing field and ensuring no one is left behind.”

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Aquino law takes aim at unfair labor practices

SPRINGFIELD — When an unfair labor practice charge is filed, workers rely on Illinois’ labor oversight boards to take timely action to protect their rights and help resolve issues related to unfair or unlawful practices. To ensure workers do not wait in limbo to find out the future of their livelihood, State Senator Omar Aquino led a measure to streamline the resolution process at worksites involved in these proceedings.

“The fight for workers’ rights has been a long, ongoing battle. It’s the reason we have paid time off, a work week and weekend, parental leave and safety in the workplace,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Most employers engage with labor unions lawfully, but when bad actors find new ways to twist the law and get around these hard-fought protections, we need to take action to cement these rights with a strong foundation that can continue to be built upon.”

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Villa law expands recycling and composting

SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa will require large event facilities to recycle and compost materials to address the significant amount of waste created at large-scale events.

“Advocating for the health of our environment ensures the health of our communities, which has been long recognized by our state,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This law will maintain Illinois’ standing as a leader in environmental policy.”

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Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. received the Good Government Award from the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation Thursday for his advocacy to fund legal aid programs – helping more than 2.3 million Illinois residents seek justice.

“Our government’s primary responsibility is to protect the rights of all people and I am proud to advocate for greater state funding for civil legal aid and the IEJF to live up to this basic responsibility,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Through its grant making, IEJF champions the legal needs of our most underserved communities to ensure everyone is protected by our civil justice system.”

Sims received the award Thursday at the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration – which highlighted more than two decades of powering Illinois’ legal aid system.

Illinois state flag design submissions now open, Turner announces

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined members of the Illinois Flag Commission at a press conference to announce residents can now submit new flag designs.

“History is living, breathing and ever-evolving,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We need to ensure government is evolving with the times so people are engaged and a part of what is going on across the state. My hope is that Illinois’ flag will truly represent Illinois – a state with a strong workforce, an agriculture champion and so much more.”

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Hastings reminds parents, teachers of educational tax credits

FRANKFORT – Back-to-school season has kicked off, and State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding families they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2024 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“As students head back to school, many parents feel it in their pocketbooks,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “School supplies can be expensive for families, and that’s why I encourage parents to save their receipts so they can have extra money in their pockets after tax season.”

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New law inspired by Illinois jaw cancer patients' struggles closes health insurance gaps

GLENVIEW – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, aimed at addressing critical gaps in Illinois' health insurance, has been signed into law by the governor. The new law guarantees individuals with major jaw injuries including those caused by cancer, access to essential medical treatments without the fear of insurance denials.

“This law closes a major loophole for patients requiring necessary medical treatments for a life-threatening disease. It ensures that in a time of crisis, no one has to experience financial roadblocks to receiving medical care,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This new law is a common sense solution resulting from the collaboration between the Illinois State Dental Society and the Insurance industry. As a result, cancer patients requiring jaw surgery will have coverage for the care they need.”

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Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO—Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic caucus are helping lead Illinois’ efforts to be a nationwide leader in investing in environmental sustainability by supporting a $25.5 million investment for the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program.

“This grant funding opportunity will allow folks from across Illinois to help create a greener future,” said Senator David Koehler (D – Peoria), one of the leading supporters of the initiative in the Senate. “The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program is essential to leveling the green energy playing field and ensuring no one is left behind.”

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program is part of the historic Senate Democrat-led Climate and Equitable Jobs Act . This law established a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois. To meet these goals, the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program aims to help remove barriers to projects, community, and business development in communities that have been historically left behind due to lack of available capital.

GLENVIEW – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, aimed at addressing critical gaps in Illinois' health insurance, has been signed into law by the governor. The new law guarantees individuals with major jaw injuries including those caused by cancer, access to essential medical treatments without the fear of insurance denials.

“This law closes a major loophole for patients requiring necessary medical treatments for a life-threatening disease. It ensures that in a time of crisis, no one has to experience financial roadblocks to receiving medical care,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This new law is a common sense solution resulting from the collaboration between the Illinois State Dental Society and the Insurance industry.  As a result, cancer patients requiring jaw surgery will have coverage for the care they need.”

The legislation started when an Illinois resident undergoing treatment for Jaw cancer required extensive reconstructive surgery and dental implants to restore basic functions like eating and speaking. However, when this patient turned to their insurance provider for help, they were met with denial. The insurance company labeled the dental implants as "cosmetic," refusing to cover the cost, despite the critical and obvious role these implants played in the patient's recovery.

FRANKFORT – Back-to-school season has kicked off, and State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding families they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2024 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“As students head back to school, many parents feel it in their pocketbooks,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “School supplies can be expensive for families, and that’s why I encourage parents to save their receipts so they can have extra money in their pockets after tax season.” 

The Hastings-led Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year, up to $750 per household. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For homeschooled students, book rental and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified homeschool program.

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including more than $280,000 for workforce training in the 20^th Senate District.

“The JTED program offers people education and training that develops lifelong skills, leading to employment opportunities now and in the future,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “I am hopeful this investment in my district will help boost our economy and assist people who have had a hard time finding employment.”