SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomed park districts from across the state to the Capitol to celebrate Parks Day.

“I am grateful for what my local park districts do day in and day out,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Park districts take care of our beautiful parks with walking trails and playgrounds, fitness centers, sports fields and even golf courses. These are places that make a community feel alive and vibrant – a place you want to live in.”

This year's Parks Day theme was “It starts in parks.” Nearly 70 agencies set up colorful displays in the Capitol rotunda and distributed informative literature that showcased the programs, facilities, and services that start people on paths to health, wellness, social connections, affordable childcare, etc.

"It was great seeing Worth and Oak Lawn Park Districts during Parks Day at the Capitol, where we talked about the vital role local parks play in our communities,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “In Illinois, we’ve made real investments in green spaces that support recreation and community connection across our state."

Parks represent places of joy, recreation, and sanctuary for all Illinois residents. This day offers a unique opportunity for state legislators and the public to engage directly with park district representatives and learn about the innovative programs and services they offer.

To find a list of Illinois parks and recreation areas visit the IDNR website.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase the chances of survival during cardiac arrest, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure that would require AEDs in nursing homes.

"Facilities entrusted with caring for individuals need to be able to demonstrate to loved ones that the health and well-being of the resident is foremost in everybody's mind," said Turner (D-Springfield). “This would give nursing home residents and their families peace of mind that if something were to happen, there are the necessary tools on site to revive them.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is leading the charge to put an end to “resident dumping” – an inhumane practice in which a nursing facility discharges a resident and refuses to readmit them after a hospital stay.

"Resident dumping is a betrayal of trust at life's most vulnerable moment,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Seniors have made these places their sanctuaries, their communities and their final homes. To deny them return is to strip away their belonging, security and dignity when they need it most.”

To strengthen resident rights in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Lightford’s proposal would enhance the involuntary discharge process within these communities. If a resident leaves the facility for a medical reason – and would not create imminent danger to themselves or others – the facility would be required to let them come back home under House Bill 1597. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure to improve teachers’ awareness of mental health resources.

“Teachers’ mental health is important too,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure everyone knows there is help out there.”

House Bill 3000 would require all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs.

Halpin effort to crack down on human trafficking passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Though many Illinoisans may not be aware, human trafficking occurs in every part of the state, from Rock Island to Chicago. To crack down on the statewide scourge, State Senator Mike Halpin passed a measure through the Senate.

“We must empower our local governments and law enforcement to keep tabs on businesses to make sure every instance of human trafficking is accounted for and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Halpin. “By allowing localities to monitor hotels, restaurants and truck stop training, we can create a more targeted approach to combatting these terrible crimes.”

Read more.

Sims celebrates record-breaking film production expenditure

CHICAGO – Illinois’ national standing in the film and television industry continues to rise – most recently after seeing $650 million in film production expenditures for the second year in a row.

“Illinois continues to lead the nation in attracting film and television companies from around the world thanks to the Film Production Tax Credit,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “The film industry brings millions of dollars to Illinois’ economy – and, in turn, enhances opportunities for good-paying jobs in the communities that need them most.”

Read more.

Holmes outlines legislation to allow end-of-life options for terminally ill patients

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes – alongside family members and advocates of terminally ill adults – outlined their support of legislation to provide terminally ill patients with end-of-life options.

“We are working to take a compassionate step forward to honor the fundamental human right to determine one’s own end-of-life journey with autonomy and peace,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “People deserve the dignity to make their own deeply personal choices – and to do so surrounded by their loved ones while free from unnecessary suffering.”

Read more.

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DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison applauded Friday’s announcement that Vantive, a kidney care company, will invest $23 million and locate its new U.S. headquarters in Deerfield, bringing 50 new jobs to the area.

“This investment is a massive win for Illinois,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Not only will this bring good jobs to the region, but it will also support Illinois' continued advancement in the health care industry, ensuring we are able to compete with the best in the business.”

Vantive is the latest recipient of a tax credit through the Senate Democrat-supported Illinois Economic Development for a Growing Economy program. The EDGE program provides annual corporate tax incentives to qualifying businesses that support job creation and capital investment — committing more than $650 million in investments across the state in 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – With lifesaving medication being one of the most effective means of preventing HIV diagnoses, State Senator Mike Simmons is proud to support the Illinois Department of Public Health’s initiative to allow Illinois residents to obtain HIV preventive medication known as PrEP directly from a pharmacist without requiring a doctor’s prescription.

“PrEP saves lives, and removing the prescription barrier means more people – especially in the LGBTQ+ community – will be provided with lifesaving care,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This is a major step forward in health equity in Illinois.” 

In June 2022, Simmons passed House Bill 4430 into law, which allows pharmacists to dispense and administer drugs, order laboratory tests, and consult individuals on HIV pre-exposure drugs and post-exposure drugs like PrEP.

CHICAGO – Following the recent announcement of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration to phase out eight artificial dyes, State Senator Willie Preston announced his support for the decision and highlighted his efforts to remove harmful food additives that have been linked to dangerous health issues.

“Today’s announcement by the HHS and FDA to phase out artificial dyes in America is long overdue. I applaud them for taking this bold yet pragmatic step,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The health of Americans — especially our children — must rise above corporate profits and political gamesmanship.”

The eight petroleum-based artificial colors being phased out include Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6. These are found in products such as cereal, ice cream, snacks, yogurts, and more.