SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett clarifying Illinois’ complex court fee system cleared the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday.

The proposal, Senate Bill 2557, specifies funds collected by county clerks from fees, assessments and fines are to be transferred to the State Treasurer to be deposited into the appropriate fund.

“The purpose of this legislation is to ensure court fines and fees are streamlined so that it’s easier for the clerks to administer,” Senator Bennett (D-Champaign) said. “This bill creates a more coherent system that will increase efficiency.”

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday.

Black Caucus leaders discussed areas within the governor’s budget proposal that specifically affect black communities, including early childhood education, economic development and public safety.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair of the ILBC:

“I am thrilled Governor Pritzker has a significant plan for education from birth to college. I share his enthusiasm for educating our young people because it is proven that their success lies in the quality of their education.

“Educating our young people has always been a central focus of the Black Caucus. We understand that in order for communities to grow and advance, they need to be educated. We look forward to joining the governor in the fight for equitable funding and access to education.”

SPRINGFIELD — Democratic members of the Illinois State Senate were generally pleased with Governor JB Pritzker’s second budget proposal. It highlighted that they and the governor share many of the same priorities to move Illinois forward and achieve permanent budget stability and government functionality.

The governor’s budget included large proposed increases to early childhood education funding, need-based financial aid programs for college students, and for a number of important social services programs that help grant people with disabilities and seniors lives filled with comfort and dignity. Democratic senators commented on many of the items they felt were most important in the proposal.

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women.

Every February, the General Assembly holds a Go Red for Women Day at the Capitol to increase awareness of women’s heart health issues and help improve the lives of women throughout Illinois. While nearly 80% of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack can be different in women than in men, often more likely to be shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you had heart disease, would you recognize the symptoms? Learn about heart attack and stroke symptoms, about your own risk, how to live a more heart healthy life, and more at https://www.goredforwomen.org/.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) expressed her support Wednesday for the investments in the Department of Children and Family Services and public education included in Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget.

The proposal included a $147 million funding increase to solve longstanding problems at DCFS, the state’s child welfare agency.

“For years, we’ve heard horror stories about abuse and neglect of children under DCFS care,” Feigenholtz said. “It’s time to take serious action to ensure Illinois youth receive the best possible care, and this new funding is going to be a major boost as we work to revamp the agency.”

SPRINGFIELD – Dental hygiene is directly linked to a person’s overall health, but many Illinoisans aren’t receiving the proper care they need due to the high cost of treatment or because the lack of coverage for anesthesia. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) hopes to curb the price of dental care by requiring Medicaid to extend its coverage.

Two bills attempting to address dental care services that are either not covered or under-reimbursed by Medicaid were part of a subject matter hearing in the Senate Human Services Committee Tuesday.

Senate Bill 2484 expands coverage of dental care and anesthesia for those with autism or a developmental disability to make those individuals more comfortable when visiting the dentist.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to concerns from area residents about 5G technology coming to the area, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is committed to learning more about the infrastructure to better inform legislative action on the issue.

“I’ve heard from a lot of people about this issue,” Glowiak Hilton said. “There was talk that certain carriers were going to roll out 5G in my district and people became concerned. I’m glad to jumpstart this conversation to help residents feel comfortable in their homes.”

The Senate Public Health Committee held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of the wireless technology. Glowiak Hilton is working toward stronger local control for municipalities, and hopes local areas will be able to choose if they want this technology in their areas.

SPRINGFIELD – Pets are part of two out of three households in America, including 72 percent of renters. Restrictions in public housing can prevent a family from keeping a pet based on its size, weight or breed. That results in pets being surrendered to already-burdened animal shelters.

Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes is introducing Senate Bill 2973, which would allow any tenant living in housing acquired, constructed or rehabilitated with state funds for low-income housing to keep a pet dog or cat regardless of its size, weight, or breed.

“A leading reason pets end up surrendered to shelters is housing issues that force some pet owners into a position of choosing between keeping their pet or keeping a roof over their head,” Holmes said. “Pets are part of our families, regardless of the family’s income level.”