SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her commitment to advancing the safety of children and families across the state, State Senator Julie Morrison supported a new online data dashboard being implemented by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to foster enhanced transparency and accountability from the agency.

“An independent, third-party look into the organization and structure of DCFS is long overdue," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We owe it to the children served in this long-troubled agency to take a serious look at how the agency can improve.”

The new Illinois Child Welfare Insights Tool ensures advocates and families are given access to near real-time information on the number of reports of abuse and neglect filed and responded to by the agency, percentages of youth under the care of agency medical teams and development programs, and reports covering the frequency of caseworkers meeting with families served by the department.

DCFS is also collaborating with the University of Kentucky and leaders at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to conduct a focused study of the department’s Child Protection Services. The study is intended to improve the department’s framework by conducting a thorough systems review of child protection operations and developing a report that provides critical findings and recommendations for advancement.

MANTENO – Senate Democrats joined company leaders and local and state officials Friday to announce Gotion’s historic decision to locate its new $2 billion electric vehicle lithium battery manufacturing plant in Manteno, representing a significant step forward in strengthening the EV supply chain and creating more than 2,600 new, good-paying jobs in Kankakee County.

“The legislature and governor have worked diligently to create a stable, predictable economic climate in which business can thrive,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Our partnership with Gotion is possible thanks to years of hard work and investment. Illinois is one of the best places in the world to do business.”

Bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles Illinois incentive package and the new Invest in Illinois fund, Gotion’s new state-of-the-art EV battery plant will help strengthen the supply chain and meet the growing demand for batteries in the EV sector across North America. The facility will focus on lithium-ion battery cell, battery pack production and energy storage system integration. Once completed, the facility in Manteno is expected to produce 10 GWh of lithium-ion battery packs and 40 GWh of lithium-ion battery cells.

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (Senate) joined the call from business and industry partners, including the Illinois Restaurant Association and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to streamline work authorizations for eligible asylum seekers who are ready and eager to work in Illinois.

“I am proud that in Illinois, we step up for those in need and live out our values as a welcoming state,” said joint Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I am happy to see Senator Durbin fighting for this much-needed measure to provide our new neighbors with the resources they need to support themselves and their families.”

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin joined Illinois’ congressional delegation, alongside Governor JB Pritzker and industry partners Wednesday, to urge the Department of Homeland Security to use its authority to streamline the work authorization process for new arrivals and undocumented immigrants. If granted, states could be allowed to sponsor asylum seekers for employment in industries facing labor shortages such as hospitality and manufacturing.

“Sustainable job opportunities are available in every corner of our state with folks who are ready to work and contribute to our economy,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “When people can provide for themselves and their families, everyone wins. I echo my colleagues’ calls for this process to begin so that those seeking asylum finally have this opportunity.”

KANKAKEE — State Senator Patrick Joyce recently joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to announce the reopening of the popular Chippewa campground, located in Kankakee River State Park.

“I have always been an advocate for outdoor recreation and activities, so it is amazing to finally see this campsite open back up,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We are thrilled to welcome people back to Chippewa. After being closed for some time, we can now ensure a safe and enjoyable space where families and campers can go to spend time outdoors.”

The Chippewa campground closed at the end of the fall 2015 camping season after a pump broke in the 1,700-foot well that serves the campground. The well provides water for drinking, bathing, cleaning and more. The project included construction of a new facility to treat water on site and other improvements. Work was delayed during the two-year state budget impasse.

The campground is located on Illinois 102, about two miles west of the Kankakee River State Park main office. It has 98 total campsites, which are available by reservation only. Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL.com.

DECATUR – As strong advocates of Illinois’ agriculture industry, State Senators Paul Faraci and Doris Turner joined state officials and agriculture leaders at the 2023 Farm Progress Show to support increasing access to mental health services for rural farmers and agriculture communities.

“Mental health affects people from all professions — especially farmers whose job, success and livelihood relies on many things out of their control,” said Turner (D-Springfield), chair of the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee. “Together, we can uplift the health and well-being of some of our state’s hardest working individuals.”

Initiated through the legislative leadership of Former Champaign State Senator Scott Bennett, the Farm Family Resource Initiative started as a joint pilot program of SIU School of Medicine and the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2019. It originated as a pilot program covering six Illinois counties providing telehealth mental health access in addition to a helpline. Following its overwhelming success, the FFRI was expanded to cover all 102 counties in the state. In addition to the telehealth helpline, family members can now access six free telehealth mental health sessions.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie has been chosen to join the 2023-24 cohort of the Milbank Fellows Program, a 10-month leadership program focused on public policy to improve health outcomes. This year’s class includes 24 legislative and executive branch leaders from around the country whose work demonstrates a commitment to bringing health equity to their communities.

“I am honored to join leaders from across the country who are also committed to improving health care outcomes within our communities,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “As a state senator with a background in health care, I have made it a priority to advance legislation addressing health care issues, including access and affordability. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I gain from this program to make a difference in the lives of the people I represent.”

Belt secures funding to tackle carjackings in Metro East

EAST ST. LOUIS — State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure a $2.4 million grant for the Metro East Auto Task Force — a move that will prevent carjackings, vehicle theft and break-ins throughout the community.

“The uptick in carjackings is a disturbing trend,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Innocent people are being targeted by this senseless crime across Illinois — and particularly in the Metro East.”

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Toro applauds federal grant supporting women in trades

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro is celebrating recent news of a $1.3 million federal grant to the Illinois Department of Labor in support of women in the construction industry.

“The skilled trades are a male-dominated industry, with women making up only a small percentage of the workforce — this is especially true for women of color,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This funding will support programs to train the next generation of tradeswomen and set them up for high-paying apprenticeships and careers.”

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Murphy condemns bomb threats against public libraries

DES PLAINES — State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the below statement following multiple bomb threats to suburban Chicago libraries:

“Libraries are sanctuaries of learning, growth and togetherness—they are the very heart of our communities. Threats of violence against libraries is an affront to our shared values. I condemn the cowardly attempts to undermine the open exchange of ideas and interrupt these vital institutions."

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DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the below statement following multiple bomb threats to suburban Chicago libraries:

“Libraries are sanctuaries of learning, growth and togetherness—they are the very heart of our communities. Threats of violence against libraries is an affront to our shared values. I condemn the cowardly attempts to undermine the open exchange of ideas and interrupt these vital institutions.

“The individuals making these threats want to instill fear in our communities, but we cannot allow this fear to win. Now that these individuals cannot silence ideas by banning books, they use threats of violence to try to achieve their insidious goals. They want us to be as afraid as they are, that is why it is more than ever we need to show our support for our public libraries. We must stand united against hatred and ignorance, and defend the principles that our country was founded on.”