SPRINGFIELD – Drivers with autism or other communication disabilities can now have better experiences during routine traffic stops, thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison.

“A routine traffic stop sparks anxiety for anyone – now imagine you are a driver who has autism or another medical condition that makes processing social cues and responding to commands difficult,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “That can quickly lead to a stressful situation for both the driver and the police officer. It’s why it was so pertinent we ensured people can effectively communicate their medical conditions.”

Drivers now have the ability to easily disclose a medical condition or disability that could impede effective communication with a police officer. People can visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website to access a form to disclose their health condition. The information will then be printed on the person’s vehicle registration associated with their license plate and be put in the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.

ROCK ISLAND — State Senator Mike Halpin joined State Representative Gregg Johnson and the Illinois Department of Transportation on Wednesday to announce the completion of the I-280 bridge over the Mississippi River in Rock Island.

“I am grateful for the leaders that prioritized this funding and helped make this bridge a reality,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “But I want to offer a special 'thank you' to the skilled tradesmen and women that built this bridge from the riverbed up. We are lucky to have an amazing workforce in Illinois and we are a better state because of it.”

The $49.7 million project began in 2021 with the demolition and replacement of the I-280 westbound bridge deck, followed by the eastbound bridge deck in 2022. The final stage of the project, which patched and resurfaced I-280 from the bridge to the Illinois 92 interchange, was combined with another $16 million improvement that extended the work from the Illinois 92 interchange to east of the Milan Beltway. Additional work included bridge painting and lighting upgrades at Illinois 92.

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter, co-chair of the Illinois Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force, spoke at a town hall Tuesday to share the task force’s progress and findings related to the prevention, detection and treatment of kidney disease.

“Kidney disease is largely preventable, yet it remains a leading cause of death in the United States,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “It is important to ramp up public awareness efforts surrounding risk factors, early detection, living donations and more to help end this health crisis.”

The town hall fostered community awareness and engagement through presentations, panel discussions and Q&A sessions. Members of the health equity, awareness and early detection, dialysis, and transplant and donation subcommittees highlighted research and progress on each topic.

CHICAGO – Thanks to State Senator Napoleon Harris’ support of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, a multi-year, $82.1 million project along I-57 has been completed – creating safety and ease for drivers in the South Suburbs.

"The I-57 corridor is not just crucial for south suburban families to get to school or work, but also to our nation's commerce," said Harris, (D-Harvey). "The south suburbs is where goods move across the country. Projects like these are allowing businesses small and large to get their products where they need to be on-time, safely, and efficiently."

I-57 was patched and resurfaced for nearly 20 miles, and two bridges were repaired along a vital commercial and residential corridor that connects multiple communities from Chicago’s South Side through the south suburbs.

BURBANK — With support from State Senator Mike Porfirio, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs launched the 2023 Operation Rising Spirit campaign to encourage service organizations, schools, communities and individuals to write letters of appreciation to former service members currently residing in veterans’ homes across the state.

“Writing letters for our veterans is a simple, yet meaningful way to honor their dedicated service and bring joy and comfort during the holiday season,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “These letters serve as a gesture of support, combating feelings of isolation that so many of our veterans experience during the holidays.”

Operation Rising Spirit initially launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.

Harris' new law supports Illinois' farmers and small businesses

SPRINGFIELD – A measure that preserves insurance choices for rural farmers in Illinois is now law, thanks to State Senator Napoleon Harris, III.

Harris’ initiative – which was signed into law Friday – modernizes coverage requirements for farm mutual insurance companies to allow them to adapt to changes in the insurance marketplace and continue to provide coverage to farmers across Illinois.

“Illinois’ farmers drive our economy,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “It is important that we update the state’s provisions to allow these community insurance companies to keep their doors open and preserve choice in the insurance marketplace.”

Read more.

Gillespie, Castro validate mental health referendums, ensure funding

SPRINGFIELD – Suburban township mental health boards approved by referendum last year will be able to collect the revenue needed to operate after legislation led by State Senators Ann Gillespie and Cristina Castro was signed into law Friday.

“I am grateful we were able to quickly advance legislation to amend an error within the referendums and allow our community mental health boards to provide vital services to those in need,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Residents made their voices heard when they approved the boards, and it is fundamental to democracy that we uphold their decision.”

“It is clear that residents of Schaumburg and Elgin townships, and others, value mental health services and want to incorporate community input in the form of 708 boards,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Senate Bill 690 allows those communities to move forward with the mental health boards—ensuring they can begin funding these critical services as their residents intended.”

Read more.

Koehler remembers devastating Washington tornado

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler recognized the 10th anniversary of the devastating tornado that tore through Washington and Pekin communities — a solemn reminder of the importance of year-round weather preparedness.

"We still remember the events that occurred a decade ago that left these communities devastated,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The people who lived in the communities hit by the tornado worked to clean up after the storms and help make their towns habitable again.”

Read more.

Pet safety this Thanksgiving

As we approach this holiday season, it is important to stay informed on what you can do to keep your pets healthy and safe.

To avoid health risks to your pet:

• Do not share food with your pets. Fatty foods are hard for pets to digest, and some foods that people eat are toxic to animals. Consider making or buying a treat that is made just for them.
• When cleaning up, put your trash away from your pet. Dispose of any food scraps in a tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors or behind a closed, locked door.
• Be careful with your decorative plants, some can be toxic to pets. The safest plan is to keep your pet away from all plants and table decorations.
• Quick action saves lives. If you think your pet may have been poisoned, immediately call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic.

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – Suburban township mental health boards approved by referendum last year will be able to collect the revenue needed to operate after legislation led by State Senators Ann Gillespie and Cristina Castro was signed into law Friday.

“I am grateful we were able to quickly advance legislation to amend an error within the referendums and allow our community mental health boards to provide vital services to those in need,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Residents made their voices heard when they approved the boards, and it is fundamental to democracy that we uphold their decision.”

Community mental health boards, or 708 boards, are appointed panels that levy property taxes to fund local organizations and community mental health initiatives. Referendums approving 708 boards in several townships – including Addison, Elgin, Lisle, Naperville, Schaumburg and Wheeling townships – and Will County were deemed invalid because they did not include language about how the tax to fund the board would impact homeowners.

Senate Bill 690 guarantees the results of these referendums, allowing affected townships to levy the tax necessary to fund the boards without re-submitting the referendum in 2024.

“It is clear that residents of Schaumburg and Elgin townships, and others, value mental health services and want to incorporate community input in the form of 708 boards,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Senate Bill 690 allows those communities to move forward with the mental health boards—ensuring they can begin funding these critical services as their residents intended.”

Senate Bill 690 goes into effect immediately.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is recognizing the 10^th anniversary of the devastating tornado that tore through Washington and Pekin communities — a solemn reminder of the importance of year-round weather preparedness.

"We still remember the events that occurred a decade ago that left these communities devastated,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The people who lived in the communities hit by the tornado worked to clean up after the storms and help make their towns habitable again.”

In the early hours of Nov. 17, 2013, a devastating EF-4 tornado tore through the communities of Washington and Pekin, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The storm caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, and resulted in the death of one individual.