SPRINGFIELD – A new measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) would require the Department of Children and Family Services to submit an annual report detailing certain information about Illinois’ youth-in-care.

“Issues run deep at DCFS, and this annual report will give us accurate information about how they deal with our state’s most vulnerable population,” Feigenholtz said. “Children who are already living with mental illness are being hospitalized to the point of deterioration. Their path to recovery must include being released from inpatient psychiatric care in a timely manner so they can begin to return to their families.”

Senate Bill 106 requires DCFS to submit an annual report, detailing:

• The number of youth-in-care placed in out-of-state residential facilities;
• The number of youth not under DCFS guardianship who were subjects of child welfare investigations where the youth was hospitalized in inpatient psychiatric hospitals during the department’s involvement; and
• The number of youth-in-care who remain in emergency rooms for longer than 24 hours while awaiting admission to a psychiatric hospital bed.

Further information, such as age and date, must also be included. The bill also requires that the report be published on DCFS’s website.

“Kids are deteriorating while being kept in these hospital settings for too long,” Feigenholtz said. “We need to be sure they are released to a residential facility in a timely manner. This report will provide us with crucial data, and we are committed to holding the Department accountable. These are our kids. They are not disposable.”

The bill passed the Senate Health Subcommittee on Children and Family on Monday, and awaits consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) argued the merits of a plan to require the Department of Children and Family Services to assist youth-in-care with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a virtual meeting of the Senate Health Subcommittee on Children & Family.

“One of the most stressful times for youth-in-care is their senior year in high school, because not only are they close to aging out of the system, but they also have to consider their future plans, including college and how to pay for it,” Peters said. “Providing assistance in applying for financial aid will help ease some of the burden for youth-in-care by giving them one less thing to worry about.”

Senate Bill 63 requires DCFS to ensure that every youth-in-care has completed a FAFSA by no later than Nov. 1 of the youth’s final year in high school. It also requires DCFS to assist the youth in acquiring any documents that are necessary to complete the FAFSA, including Social Security card, driver’s license number, and tax and other financial information.

The legislation, which is an initiative of the National Association of Social Workers, passed the committee unanimously. Peters sponsored a similar proposal in 2020, but it was sidelined due to changing priorities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and Robinson Chiropractic are teaming up to host a healthy food drive in an effort to replenish the stock at The Dwelling Place for homeless and at-risk individuals in Vermilion County.

“The need for food has increased dramatically due to the economic effects of COVID-19, and that demand has especially impacted places like The Dwelling Place,” Bennett said. “Your donations can make a difference for folks in need in our community.”

According to The Dwelling Place, over 16,000 Vermilion County residents live in poverty and are at risk of homelessness, and over 500 children of school age are identified as homeless. Individuals and families who seek assistance for food are often in search of healthier options.

CHICAGO – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) congratulated Josiah L. Pickard Elementary School’s second-grade class for being selected for a grant to help students go on field trips centered on biodiversity.

“This grant program gives students the opportunity to see first-hand what they are learning about in the classroom,” Munoz said. “I’m excited for the students to have the chance to visit the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs.”

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) celebrated the signing of a new law to help combat racial inequities in education, provide better pathways to success for students and strengthen the state’s workforce.

“For too long, Black students have been left behind and denied the same path to success that others have been able to experience,” ILBC Joint Caucus Chair state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, said. “With a focus on combatting racial inequity and providing equal opportunities for students to succeed, we can build a stronger Illinois for all families.”

Cunningham measure extending workers' comp protections signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — During the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law offering additional workers’ compensation protections to first responders and essential workers. Last week, the governor signed State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to extend those protections by six months.

The law allows essential workers and first responders to file for workers’ compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 during the course of their employment – providing them with additional economic support while they recover from the illness. Employers have an opportunity to rebut workers’ claims by demonstrating they followed all applicable public health guidelines.

Read more.

Morrison: Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a very real issue

SPRINGFIELD — Although a record number of people cast their votes by mail in the 2020 General Election, not every registered voter had the privilege to practice their civic duty. Voters with limited manual dexterity or visual impairments – among other disabilities – may not be able to fill out paper ballots by hand, limiting their ability to vote remotely.

To give every person the same opportunity to cast their ballot from the comfort of their home, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is spearheading a measure to provide more accessible remote ballots.

Read more.

Martwick: ACA insurance enrollment open in response to COVID-19

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is promoting the reopening of the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace during a Special Enrollment Period set up in response to COVID-19, allowing individuals and families to apply for and enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage.

“Health insurance should not be something you have to worry about during a pandemic,” Martwick said. “Take advantage of this enrollment window if you or your family have lost coverage.”

Read more.

Belt highlights state plan to expand vaccine access across St. Clair County

CENTREVILLE — As Illinois’ vaccination efforts continue, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is highlighting a state partnership with Touchette Regional Hospital to ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Clair County.

“My top priority always has been, and will continue to be, the assurance that the underserved communities in the 57th District have access to this vaccine,” Belt said. “The partnership with Touchette Hospital will not only provide that access, but also the trust needed to reduce residents’ reluctance to receive the vaccine.”

Read more.

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CHICAGO – Illinois students will see increased minority representation under a new law supported by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago).

“Education is the foundation for so many aspects of how we view ourselves and the world around us, and it is vital that the curriculum is updated to be as well-rounded, inclusive and accurate as can be,” Van Pelt said. “I am happy to see that the initiatives of the Legislative Black Caucus will soon be implemented.”

During January’s session, Van Pelt voted to pass House Bill 2170, which will reform Illinois’ education system in an effort to eliminate systemic racism.

The legislation creates an Inclusive American History Commission to reform the curriculum around marginalized groups in American history, including people who were Black, Latinx, women, LGBTQ, Jewish and more.

The legislation also updates high school curriculums to require two years of laboratory science and a foreign language—or sign language—to graduate high school, ensuring schools in every community offer the courses students need to pursue secondary education.

Students seeking a secondary degree will benefit from changes to the matching requirement for AIM High scholarships, which makes it easier for students at less well-funded schools to secure financial assistance.

“Every student deserves the same opportunities when applying for higher education, regardless of region or zip code,” Van Pelt said. “There is so much work to be done to ensure equity in the Illinois education system, but now we are one step closer to a system that is fair to all students.”

This legislation is effective immediately.

ROCKFORD – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is congratulating Cherry Valley Elementary School’s 3rd grade class on being selected as a winner.

“This Biodiversity Grant Program provides an excellent chance for students to expand their education outside of the classroom,” Stadelman said. “I’m pleased that the students at Cherry Valley Elementary School were chosen for this great opportunity.”

The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

Four classes selected for the grant will take a trip to Severson Dells Nature Center, which hosts environmental education courses in the 369-acre Severson Dells Forest Preserve. At the center, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/GrantsIBFTG.aspx.