Latest Updates:
Hoffman Thanks Community for Easter Basket Donations for Foster Kids at Caritas Family Solutions
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – With Easter around the corner, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is thanking area residents for their generous donations to create Easter baskets for local youth in foster care at Caritas Family Solutions.
Kelly-Backed Affordability Bill Cracking Down on ‘Junk Fees’ Moves to House Floor
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Mike Kelly, D-Chicago, is cracking down on junk fees that cost consumers an estimated $3,000 every year, with a new measure that holds businesses accountable for charges added on top of advertised purchase prices.
Hirschauer Bill Targets Tracking Data, Protecting Consumers From Price Increases
A new bill led by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, would require online retailers to disclose their use of “surveillance pricing”—a growing phenomena that uses artificial intelligence-powered tools to charge higher prices for certain customers based on prior browsing history and demographic information inferred by a consumer's digital footprint.
Stuart Celebrates New Group Researching Projected Labor and Education Needs in Illinois
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is celebrating a new working group launched by Governor Pritzker to identify workforce needs throughout Illinois and establish a plan to collaborate with educational institutions, local workforce boards, labor unions, industry leaders and more. The working group hopes to increase both job creation and increase employee preparedness and education for in-need careers.
Hernandez Bill Expanding Trades, Post-Secondary Job Training Passes out of Committee
State Rep. Elizabeth 'Lisa' Hernandez, D-Cicero, passed legislation out of the House Labor and Commerce Committee last Wednesday that would create a network of community-based organizations dedicated to recruiting, training and finding employment for those interested in the trades and apprenticeship fields in her community.
Grasse Advances Legislation Through Committee to Raise Standards of Mental Health Care in Nursing Homes
State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, is continuing her fight for better mental health care by leading the passage of new legislation to increase the frequency of required Department of Human Services (DHS) follow-up visits for patients in nursing homes who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness.
Ammons Hunger-Free Campus Bill Advances to House Floor
Continuing her support for higher education and student livelihood, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, introduced legislation allocating $1 million to the
Hunger-Free Campus Grant Fund. The fund distributes grants to public university systems who meet requirements to be designated as a hunger-free campus.
Mason Condemns U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Chiles v. Salazar
State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court voted to reverse the ban on conversion therapy for minors in Colorado:
Vella Bill Aimed at Shifting Juvenile Justice Focus Towards Rehabilitation Advances Out of Committee
State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is advancing legislation to the House floor that would change how Illinois courts handle younger teens, focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment.
Manley Highlights Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving to Special Olympics Illinois
With 100% of sales from participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants going toward Special Olympics Illinois, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined colleagues in purchasing large orders of sandwiches for legislative staff last Wednesday at the State Capitol.
Cassidy Condemns Supreme Court Decision In Chiles v. Salazar
CHICAGO – State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, which ruled state bans on conversion therapy as violations of the 1st amendment of the U.S. Constitution:
Ness Team to Host Mobile Office Hours in Algonquin
ALGONQUIN, Ill. -– District staff of state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, will host mobile office hours on Monday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Algonquin Area Public Library District to discuss state updates and help constituents navigate state agencies.
Manley Congratulates Stepping Stones on Recovery Home for Women, Children Ribbon Cutting
JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined Stepping Stones in its ribbon cutting for the new Recovery Home for Women with Children. Manley was joined at the ribbon cutting by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Kay O’Brien, and Congressman Bill Foster, D-Aurora.
DeLuca Looks to Address Cook County Vendor Property Tax Issues, Pushes Plan to Reimburse Impacted Communities Moving Forward
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After property tax system delays from Cook County added unexpected and unnecessary costs on local taxing bodies, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, is leading a taxpayer-centered plan to require reimbursement from the county if the same situation develops again.
Harper Moves Legislation to Make Illinois School Meals Healthier
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, has passed legislation out of committee aimed at improving the quality of food served in Illinois schools.
Johnson Advances Plan to Help Laid Off Workers Access Unemployment Benefits
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to support workers, state Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island, has advanced legislation out of committee to require large employers to prefile unemployment insurance information with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) when dealing with layoffs, furloughs or temporary shutdowns.
Stuart Launches Community Women’s Caucus
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will begin holding monthly Community Women’s Caucus meetings across Metro East communities. The Caucus was born from conversations at a Women’s Community Advisory Committee held in Stuart’s district last month, with attendees advocating for more spaces for women-led community advocacy and engagement.
Jones-Backed Bill Offering Relief to Lower Home and Auto Insurance Policyholders Passes the House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is taking steps to cut home and auto insurance costs through a bill that ensures Illinois customers are not paying to pad the profits of big corporations or cover corporate losses in high-risk states like Florida or Texas.