ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Following a recent high-profile civil lawsuit against seven alleged perpetrators of sexual violence at Cornell University, state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, published an op-ed renewing her call to pass House Bill 4990, legislation she crafted to enforce stronger legal protections for sexual violence survivors.

The op-ed can be found here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/10/22/opinion-cornell-university-sexual-assault-illinois-bill-hb4990/

House Bill 4990 amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act by expanding protections for students facing a range of sexual violence to include domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual harassment and digital sexual harassment. It requires higher education institutions to maintain comprehensive support policies for survivors, address threats of retaliation, ensure timely handling of complaints, and offer trauma-informed training for staff and relevant students. It also clarifies survivors’ rights to privacy and participation in complaint resolution.

Last spring, House Bill 4990 advanced far in the legislative process, passing the Senate with bipartisan support. In the upcoming fall veto session, Canty will work to complete that process with a final affirmative vote in the House.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. –With colder weather approaching, state Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, is encouraging qualified residents to take advantage of the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program as the application period opens up Thursday, Oct. 1 for those age 60+, individuals with a disability, families with children age 5 or younger and households disconnected from utilities.

All other eligible households can apply starting Nov. 1.

“Shelter is a human right. No family should have to sleep in their winter coats just to stay warm at home,” Grasse said. “Across Illinois, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps our neighbors keep the heat on when winter arrives. When we look out for the most vulnerable among us, we all live in a stronger, kinder community.”

Households that meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. The priority application system is designed to ensure those most in need are able to apply first, a group that is expected to represent more than half of this year’s applicants. This year’s income eligibility is found below:

Additional information and an online application will be available starting Oct. 1 on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website at dceo.illinois.gov.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – A measure raising palliative and hospice healthcare cost reporting requirements in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), led by state Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, was recently signed into law.

“Palliative and hospice care in our corrections system is vital, but it too often goes overlooked. At a time when federal funding cuts demand that we look carefully at how we use taxpayer dollars, we need better information to make smart, responsible reforms,” Grasse. “Right now, we do not have a clear picture of end-of-life care costs in Illinois correctional facilities, and those costs can vary significantly. Collecting this data is a common-sense, fiscally responsible step that will help us identify opportunities for more consistent, compassionate and efficient care.”

Continuing her push for smart reforms that promote fiscal responsibility, Grasse sponsored House Bill 4665, which requires the IDOC to include the costs of end-of-life care for people who die of natural causes without hospice or palliative programs in its annual report data. This requirement is an expansion of the Eddie Thomas Act, which requires the IDOC gather and post online other health data on palliative and hospice care for incarcerated individuals.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In advance of Gov. JB Pritzker’s 2026 Budget Address, the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus released this statement outlining their budget priorities for promoting equity and opportunity despite attacks from the federal government:

“Major priorities for our caucus during the budget crafting process will include defending the rights of women, children and vulnerable communities, and promoting a future where privacy for women seeking an abortion is not at-risk, where women living under threat of domestic abuse have an economic safety net to support them if they leave, where single moms don’t have to work non-stop to afford childcare and where every woman can live a life of equity and opportunity,” said Caucus Chair, state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights. “Our caucus will not stand by while the Trump Administration targets millions of women with a misogynistic agenda designed to strip essential rights from women and claw back decades of progress for women and families.”

“At a moment when Washington is advancing cruel and reckless cuts, Illinois must lead with compassion and responsibility,” said Caucus Treasurer, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. “The IHDWC budget priorities are clear: protect access to healthcare so families can see a doctor, safeguard SNAP so no child goes hungry and preserve childcare subsidies so working parents can stay in the workforce. We refuse to balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Illinois Democrats will continue to invest in people, stabilize communities and mitigate the real harm caused by extreme federal policies.”

“As we begin the budget process, we are committed to working relentlessly to ensure that the programs and legislation that support women and children receive the critical funding they need to succeed,” said Caucus Secretary, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake. “Illinois has a long and proud history of strengthening and protecting women’s rights, and we intend to build on that legacy. Despite the noise and chaos at the federal level, the women of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus remain laser focused on advancing policies that uplift the women, children and families of our state.”

“The Women’s Caucus remains committed to protecting the rights we’ve worked tirelessly to secure, especially in an anything-but-ordinary year where the current administration continually seeks to undermine them. It is also vitally important that we continue to provide services to our most vulnerable citizens—children, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and low-income seniors,” said Caucus Vice-Chair, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville. “With the uncertainty surrounding federal dollars, it’s vital that the state utilize our resources to the best of our ability without undermining or losing ground on all the important work we’ve done the past several years.”

EVANSTON, Ill. — State Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, joins more than 600 state legislators from over 48 states across the country to release a joint national statement regarding the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) occupation of Minneapolis, MN, and the killings of Alex Pretti, Renee Nicole Good and others at the hands of DHS and ICE:

“We, the undersigned state legislators from across this country, contend we are at a decisive moment in our nation’s history. For a nation founded 250 years ago on the basic and fundamental principles of freedom, liberty, and inalienable rights, having armed masked federal agents on our streets engaging in a campaign of wanton destruction threatens to destroy these foundational values that underpin our democracy.

We are stepping into extraordinarily dangerous territory in this country and have reached an unimaginable point where ICE and Border Patrol agents have now, twice within one month, killed US citizens on camera while the federal government tells us not to believe our own eyes.

Further, the vast majority of ICE arrests in our cities and suburbs are of those with no criminal record, while due process and search and seizure rights guaranteed by our Constitution are not just being violated daily: chillingly, per a leaked memo, these violations are sanctioned by the Department of Homeland Security.

We stand with the people of Minnesota and demand that ICE and Border Patrol leave Minnesota immediately. 

We demand a full and independent investigation into the shootings and deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as others, over the last year.

Finally, we demand the restoration of our American values and principles to our federal government, an end to the abductions and killings, an end to the occupation of our towns and cities, and an end to Congressional funding for ICE.”

Gabel is one of 629 elected officials nationwide to sign on to the statement. Other supporting legislators represent states including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Washington, D.C.

“The tragic murders in Minneapolis are the most recent escalation in ICE agents’ spree of wanton violence and unconstitutional abuse against the American people-very much including members of my community,” Gabel said. “I’m standing with 628 of my fellow state legislators to call for an immediate halt to the occupation of American cities by out-of-control ICE forces and impartial investigations into their offenses. It’s time to end this shameful chapter in American history.”

ICE agents have spent months terrorizing communities and committing wanton acts of violence against the American people.

In Illinois, Gabel also recently passed House Bill 1312, protecting people from ICE violence at locations including hospitals, courthouses and daycares; as well as House Resolution 622, echoing many of the statement’s points in condemning federal violence and lawlessness, and specifically calling for DHS Secretary Noem’s immediate resignation, or impeachment.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, has introduced legislation to ensure home health and hospice workers receive the same safety protections already afforded to healthcare providers in hospitals and other facilities, protecting at-home caregivers and their families from threats, intimidation or violence related to their work.

“Caregivers are providing vital services in people’s homes every day, often alone and without the protections available in medical facilities,” Grasse said. “I’m going to fight to make sure they have the same legal safeguards as any other healthcare worker. No one should be put at risk simply for showing up to care for someone in need.”

Grasse filed the Health Care at Home Workforce Protection Act, or House Bill 4600, which creates a specific charge for threatening home-based healthcare providers, as well as their families and friends, with violence. The legislation is designed to bring home health and hospice workers into alignment with existing protections for facility-based providers and to act proactively against a growing national trend of violence toward caregivers.

A recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows in-home care providers face a significantly higher risk of violence than other healthcare workers due to isolation and limited control over their work environments.

“Illinois is already facing a shortage of care providers, and safety concerns are a major reason why,” Grasse said. “If caregivers don’t feel safe, they leave the profession and patients suffer. This law helps prevent violence before it happens and ensures home-based workers are protected just like their colleagues in hospitals and clinics.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Clean energy legislation backed by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, that will lower the property tax burden on Zion homeowners and small businesses passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly and is heading to the Governor’s desk.

“This change will result in an approximate 20% property tax reduction for homeowners and businesses in the Zion and Winthrop Harbor communities, and some in the areas of Beach Park and Wadsworth, depending on their taxing bodies,” Mason said. “Relieving the property tax burden on new homebuyers and businesses will undoubtedly combat the impacts of the environmental challenges that the community has had to overcome. Our community deserves this relief and locking it down has been one of my top priorities. I’m thrilled to see this come to fruition.”

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is intended to help economic development in Illinois communities that have suffered environmental impacts in the past. With Zion’s shuttered nuclear plant affecting economic development, I helped lead the charge to establish a special program to help Zion homeowners and businesspeople who have been hurt by ComEd’s 1998 closure of the plant.

The specific legislation will require that “75% of Climate and Equitable Jobs Act funds received by taxing authorities must be used for property tax abatement purposes” for homeowners and small businesses.

Zion Mayor Billy McKinney, who grew up in Zion, thanked Representative Joyce Mason and Senator Mary Edly-Allen, and the Governor for their efforts on the bill.

“Zion is in the midst of an economic renaissance with new business operations such as warehouses and retail and restaurants,” Mayor McKinney said. “Thanks to our legislative champions and Governor Pritzker, the clean energy law will only help with new businesses opening and homes selling.”

In addition to Zion residents, homeowners in Winthrop Harbor and parts of Beach Park and Wadsworth will also see property tax relief from this legislation.

CHICAGO – State Representative Lindsey LaPointe and her team are offering a series of three Substance Use Outreach Pop Up Events at the Jefferson Park Transit Center. The series, which kicked off on Thursday, July 25th, aims to connect people with both information and pathways to direct support such as detox, treatment, recovery and harm reduction supplies like Narcan. LaPointe’s Office worked with the CTA to provide space at the Jefferson Park Transit Center, an appropriate location due to the volume of overall people and neighbors in need of substance use and recovery support.

“We’ve long known that people on the far Northwest side deal with substance use and the long road to recovery,” LaPointe said. “Too often, people don’t know where to turn for support so we are trying to educate neighbors on what the options are with friendly, consistent faces over a series of three events. Substance use issues are healthcare issues and we want to reduce stigma so people can get the healthcare they deserve.”

Thursday’s event included representatives from Haymarket, Gateway, Healthcare Alternative Systems, Chicago Behavioral Hospital, and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Future events will include the Chicago Recovery Alliance, the Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition and Rosecrance. The series will continue on Tuesday, August 27th and Thursday, September 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Jefferson Park Transit Center.

Representative LaPointe, a former social worker, is a leader on behavioral health and human service issues in Illinois and is the House Chair of the Mental Health and Addiction Committee in Springfield.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lilian Jimenez, D-Chicago, will join State Rep. Will Guzzardi and State Sen. Omar Aquino for a Spring Legislative Recap on Thursday, July 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center at 4048 W. Armitage, discussing the ways Springfield was responsive to the needs of working families and their communities. The event will be moderated by State Senator-elect Graciela Guzman.

“As legislators, our job is not just to make laws, we have to communicate with everyday families how what we do will impact and make their lives better,” Jimenez said. “I am honored to say that this has been a transformative and important legislative session for me and the General Assembly. We cut the grocery tax, got serious about property taxes and rising rents and are creating world-class schools for our children. I hope my community joins us in these discussions.”

The Legislative Town Hall will start at 5:30 p.m. with free food and refreshments provided. To RSVP for the event, please visit HERE. Jimenez will unpack the state budget, highlight important workers rights issues and field questions about her legislative agenda for the upcoming session.

For more information, contact Jimenez’s constituent office at info@replilianjimenez.com or 773-337-9995.

SPRINGFIELD- A significant step toward supporting Illinois’ disabled veterans was taken on July 1^st as legislation was signed into law to alleviate some of the financial burdens placed on the state’s disabled veterans community. This new law, sponsored by State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) and Representative Stephanie A. Kifowit (D-Oswego), waives permit fees for disabled veterans who need to modify their homes for accessibility.

Prior to this law, disabled veterans returning from service and needing to adapt their homes were required to pay permit fees to their local government in addition to covering the renovation costs themselves. This added financial strain often made essential home modifications even more challenging.

“Disabled veterans already face significant challenges when it comes to home renovations,” stated Sen. Dan McConchie, a Veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, who sponsored SB 2751 in the Senate. “This legislation ensures they are not burdened with extra costs from city permit fees. Veterans have sacrificed so much for us, and waiving these fees is a small way to give back.” 

Public Act 103-0621, filed as Senate Bill 2751, specifically addresses the issue by waiving permit fees for disabled veterans making necessary home modifications.

“Veterans with disabilities have sacrificed so much for our country, and it is our duty to support them when they return home,” said State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, a Veteran of the U.S. Marines, who sponsored SB 2751 in the House. “By waiving building permit fees for necessary accommodations, we are removing barriers and helping ensure they can live comfortably and independently. I was proud to partner with Senator Dan McConchie to get this important legislation passed. This bill not only aids veterans but also acknowledges the invaluable contributions they have made to our nation.”