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.”

Hotel industry to reduce plastic waste thanks to Fine law

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste across Illinois, State Senator Laura Fine championed a law to phase out the use of small, single-use plastic bottles in hotels.

“Tiny plastic bottles provided by hotels that contain personal care products, like shampoo and conditioner, produce unnecessary plastic pollution,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By taking an environmentally conscious approach to hospitality, we can reduce plastic pollution across the state and throughout our waterways.”

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Porfirio: Our service members deserve every chance to succeed

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the National Guard and Reserve who are college or university students will soon be able to make up coursework they missed due to military obligations, thanks to a new law State Senator Mike Porfirio spearheaded through the General Assembly.

“This new law ensures our National Guard and Reserve members can fulfill their military duties without jeopardizing their academic progress,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This is a vital step in supporting their dual commitment to both education and service.”

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Hundreds served at Hunter's 20th annual health fair

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrated her 20th Family Health and Fitness Fair this month, empowering residents with free health screenings and streamlined access to local and state services.

“When I hosted my first health fair 20 years ago, it was a small event in a parking lot. We saw about 20 people show up,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Now we’ve partnered with Illinois Institute of Technology, using a large, visible outdoor space with more vendors inside. We’ve been able to help thousands of residents over the years achieve better health through education and resources, all while having fun.”

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Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrated her 20^th Family Health and Fitness Fair this month, empowering residents with free health screenings and streamlined access to local and state services.

“When I hosted my first health fair 20 years ago, it was a small event in a parking lot. We saw about 20 people show up,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Now we’ve partnered with Illinois Institute of Technology, using a large, visible outdoor space with more vendors inside. We’ve been able to help thousands of residents over the years achieve better health through education and resources, all while having fun.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Christopher Belt will identify and correct inequities some individuals face when seeking loans, mortgages or other financial services.

“Unfair lending practices undermine the financial stability of our communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This new law is the first step toward enacting stronger protections to ensure every borrower is treated with fairness and respect.”

The new law builds off previous legislation that incentives state-regulated financial institutions to meet the financial service needs of areas where there is a lack of access to affordable banking, credit for small businesses, reasonable interest rates, mortgages and other lending services.