Democrats, Republicans, law enforcement and school officials seek to include critical response mapping to save lives

SPRINGFIELD – Working across the aisle and in tandem with police chiefs and education officials, members of the Illinois Senate outlined an initiative at a press conference Thursday to enhance crisis response plans in case of a school emergency.

“As a former special education teacher, I spent 15 years in the classroom. I also have three children of my own, one who is now a teacher,” said State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Parents shouldn’t have immense fear that their kids are unsafe at school and teachers shouldn’t be put in a situation where they are on the front line. This is a commonsense approach to protect the people who educate our youth.”

The bipartisan proposal would allow public schools to obtain crisis response mapping data and provide copies to appropriate law enforcement and first responders to use in the event of an emergency.

SPRINGFIELD – The South Suburban Airport may soon be reality, thanks to the Senate members of the South Suburbs.

“This is a touchdown for communities across the South Suburbs,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey). “This airport will serve as an economic engine for our communities and provide local businesses with access to global markets for generations to come.”

For the last 40 years, lawmakers have attempted to secure a south suburban airport in the Monee community. The measure – spearheaded by Harris – passed on Wednesday, would require the state to establish the process to find partners in the construction of a new south suburban airport.

SPRINGFIELD – To guarantee emergency workers — including firefighters, police officers and probation officers — have quality health insurance in the event they are injured on the job, State Senator Karina Villa passed a bill from the Senate on Wednesday. 

“Emergency workers are the first on a scene when something goes wrong; they protect our communities and deserve our protection in return,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This legislation will protect those who are gravely injured on the job by making sure their employers cover their health insurance.”

House Bill 3249 requires public employers to pay the full premium of a health insurance plan for a current employee, their spouse or their dependents if the employee is a full-time law enforcement officer, correctional or correctional probation officer or firefighter who has suffered a catastrophic injury or was killed in the line of duty.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler passed an initiative to prohibit price gouging of essential medication.

“Medication should be affordable for all Illinoisans,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This legislation addresses the schemes companies will go through to churn a profit off of someone’s health.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed a measure to require vital records to indicate whether a service-related injury contributed to a veteran’s death.

“By not listing contributing factors behind a veteran’s death, we are potentially leaving out important information for their families,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “Including these factors will ensure families receive the correct compensation after the death of their loved ones.”

House Bill 2856 would require vital records to list contributing factors behind a veteran’s death. This requirement would ensure survivor benefits and other rights are addressed if the death was caused by a service-related injury.

“During such a traumatic time, we need to ensure we are taking the right steps to give families the information they need.” said Glowiak Hilton. “After the large sacrifice our veterans have made for our state and nation, the least we can do is make sure their deaths are accurately reported.”

House Bill 2856 passed the Senate Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt is pushing for tax credits for electric vehicle manufacturers as part of the General Assembly’s final revenue package.

This will incentivize electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy investments in Illinois and will pave the way for significant economic growth and a cleaner, more sustainable future for the state.

“Tax credits for electric vehicle and renewable energy manufacturers will result in economic prosperity in our state,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “In addition, this will send a clear message that Illinois is open for a favorable business environment and committed to sustainable innovation.”

Senate Bill 2576 would establish tax credits, known as Renewable Energy Vehicle credits, for qualifying electric vehicle and renewable energy manufactures that make substantial investments in capital improvements and maintain a strong workforce. To qualify, businesses must invest a minimum of $500 million in capital improvements and retain at least 800 full-time employees at the project site.

Belt’s proposal does not require businesses to create new jobs in order to be eligible for the tax credits if they enter into an agreement after the bill becomes a law and before June 1, 2024. This provides flexibility to ensure that existing businesses in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors can also benefit from the REV credits while focusing on expanding their business operations.

“This truly would be a win-win for both our economy and our environment,” said Belt. “Boosting electric vehicle manufacturing will build a more prosperous future for our state.”

As budget and revenue negotiations continue, Belt will continue to push for this tax credit to be part of the General Assembly’s final proposal.

SPRINGFIELD – To promote community gardening, State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure that would provide incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

“Gardening can help households cut down on food costs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Providing affordable housing units an incentive to garden allows residents to have access to nutritional foods right outside their doors.”

House Bill 3892 would allow the Illinois Housing Development Authority to develop a program that provides incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford successfully passed a measure to require the option for full-day kindergarten across the state.

“It is important that we create equal access to education on every level,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This measure will ensure all families in Illinois are provided with the same opportunities for their children early on.”

Parents who live in districts without the option of full-day kindergarten are often faced with additional barriers to preparing their children for early elementary school. These barriers include, but are not limited to, mid-day transportation, loss of income due to being home with the child or finding additional childcare, and ensuring developmentally appropriate activities are being provided throughout the day.