SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) advanced a measure from the Illinois Senate to address pedestrian fatalities on state highways.
“This is a very personal issue to me,” Murphy said. “In Des Plaines we’ve witnessed four separate pedestrian fatalities at the same intersection, and countless other close calls. The local police department even did a sting operation and cited dozens of drivers for not yielding to pedestrians there.”
Senate Bill 767 would require the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to conduct a traffic study for each pedestrian fatality on a state highway. Studies would consider design improvements, traffic control devices and any other improvements that IDOT may recommend.
The measure passed the Senate 49-1 and will go to the House for consideration.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) voted on legislation today that would make daylight saving time the year-round standard.
The measure would eliminate the statewide practice of moving clocks forward in the spring and backward in the fall.
“Changing your clocks twice year is at best a hassle for most Illinoisans,” Stadelman said. “There are also many benefits that come with making this simple change to the way we keep our time in this state.”
Research has shown that switching to standard time in the fall is linked with a spike in diagnoses of depression as well as a mild spike in heart attacks.
“I have no doubt that in the past standard time served a purpose, but it’s simply no longer necessary for the world we live in today,” Stadelman said. “I hope federal lawmakers will come to a similar conclusion and do their part to remove this arbitrary system that burdens everyday people.”
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate today approved legislation sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) aimed at making daylight saving time the year-round standard in Illinois.
The inspiration for Senate Bill 533 came from a group of students from Carlinville High School, who presented the idea to Senator Manar as part of a civics class project.
“It was a well-thought out proposal that I felt deserved consideration in Springfield. Given the loss of productivity caused by the arbitrary daylight saving time change, and the various health and safety concerns that are supported by research, this proposal makes a lot of sense,” Manar said. “What’s most important is that this group is an example of how young people can step up and engage their elected officials to enact changes they want to see in government.”
Read more: Senate approves Manar legislation to make daylight saving time permanent
SPRINGFIELD – Throughout American history, only 32 individuals have lain in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol, an honor reserved for the most esteemed American military heroes and statesmen. State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) wants to extend that privilege to the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II as a tribute to all 16 million Americans, often referred to as the “Greatest Generation,” who served in our Armed Forces from 1939 to 1945.
Senate Joint Resolution 50 would urge the President and the United States Congress to take all necessary measures to ensure the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II be offered a state funeral, including, but not limited to, the option to lie in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol.
Read more: Manar resolution urges President, Congress to ensure WWII heroes lie in state
SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide more transparency among elected officials, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) filed a measure that would require lawmakers to state if they have a conflict of interest on a bill.
“This is simply about honesty and transparency,” Senator Morrison said. “The people of Illinois deserve to know lawmakers are best serving voters and the community — not themselves.”
Senate Bill 2299, which will be read into the record Tuesday, would require a member of the General Assembly to disclose if they have a conflict of interest on a measure they are taking official action on – which includes voting for a bill. If the legislator does have a conflict of interest, they would be responsible for filing a written statement declaring the conflict or stating their conflict during floor debate.
SPRINGFIELD – Jurors in Lake County will continue to have the option to donate their compensation to the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), under a bill co-sponsored by State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake).
A pilot program that currently allows Lake County jurors to donate their wages to the CAC is set to expire at the end of the year. The CAC has requested the program be extended until Jan. 1, 2022, because it has increased revenue and public awareness of children’s advocacy issues. In 2019, jurors contributed nearly $1000 to the Children’s Advocacy Center.
“The Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center helps child abuse victims find their voice and brings offenders to justice,” said Bush. “We should continue to aid their efforts by allowing jurors the option to donate their compensation.”
Read more: Bush allows Lake County jurors to donate earnings to Children’s Advocacy Center
SPRINGFIELD – Two youths, ages 15 and 17, were handcuffed and shackled at their feet while being driven from a youth shelter to another living arrangement, according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
The teens were both restrained for nearly 30 miles in early October while being moved by a company hired by DCFS from Chicago to Palatine. The incident is now being investigated.
State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) released the following statement:
“When we dishonor one person’s rights, we dishonor everyone’s rights,” Senator Morrison said. “DCFS’s failure to provide oversight and accountability on their contractors has caused another violation. This situation underscores my commitment to reform this troubled agency.”
SPRINGFIELD – November 11 is observed in the United States as Veterans Day to honor those who have served in the armed forces.
The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus proudly includes a number of members who served in the military: President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), National Guard; Sen. Tony Munoz (D-Chicago), Army; Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Tinley Park), Army; and Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), Army.
Ahead of the holiday, senators took a few moments on the Senate floor to thank their fellow veterans and reflect on their own experiences while serving.
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