EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, releases the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Education reinstating Title IX protections implemented in 2020:

“Despite an illegal war raging, prices skyrocketing and national dissatisfaction growing, the current federal administration has decided to focus on dismantling Title IX protections for women and people in the LGBTQ+ community.

“This federal administration is claiming they’re protecting ‘women’s safety, dignity, and educational opportunities.’ Restricting access and opportunity to reporting cases of sexual assault and misconduct doesn’t protect survivors, it puts them at a bigger risk for fallout and a lower chance of justice. They initiated these changes with no opportunity for public comment or input from interest groups or experts in these fields.

“Illinois college students are protected by the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, which has been in effect since 2015. Just last year, I proudly sponsored legislation to update the act, updating the base surveys institutions have to complete and allowing for them to be closely reviewed and address any issues found. Despite federal restrictions, college students will still have protections against sexual assault and abuse in state of Illinois.

“Title IX was designed to prohibit sex-based discrimination, and the current administration is interpreting this literally to allow gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination. This regression adds to the administration’s long list of examples of protecting perpetrators of sexual misconduct and silencing survivors.

“I will continue my efforts to ensure that all college students are afforded the safety and opportunity to report their abuse, seek assistance from medical professionals or other survivors and for justice to be served.”

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement in response to proposed cuts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aimed at “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,” but will effectively reduce the quality of care and support for Head Start programs nationwide:

“Head Start provides multi-generational support, giving every child the opportunity to begin school on a footing equal to their peers who are fortunate to come from more resourced families. I strongly oppose the changes being considered because of the harm it will cause for our most vulnerable children and their families. The changes are not simple administrative measures; these proposed changes oppose the foundational values of the Head Start Program.

“Removing student-to-teacher ratio requirements and maximum classroom sizes will make learning harder for students and education unmanageable for teachers. Removing age appropriate home-language development assistance and eliminating language support in classrooms makes language unattainable for students. These aren’t ‘cost saving initiatives,’ these are initiatives to undermine and dismantle Head Start programs.

“America should strive to be a country where every child— regardless of where they live, the language spoken in their home, the structure of the family that is raising them, or the amount of money the family has— can access high-quality early education opportunities in order to thrive and succeed. The attempts to change this are cruel and seem designed to maintain children, especially poor children or those with special needs, in a cycle of poverty. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the proposed changes to Head Start regulations are not enacted.”

You can leave a public comment on the proposed changes to Head Start here.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement supporting The Alestle, the student newspaper at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and its student journalists:

“Over the last few months, tensions have risen between student journalists and their institution’s administration over disagreements on what topic can or cannot be approached in The Alestle— a student-run newspaper that is operated by funds generated from student fees. Student journalists’ work is crucial when analyzing a university’s function or understanding the youth’s perspective of a current event.

“Everyone in the United States is covered by the First Amendment, offering us the freedoms of speech and press. In Illinois, we have additional protections specifically for our student journalists. The College Campus Press Act states that campus media is not subject to prior review by public officials of those institutions. I supported an effort this spring to strengthen these protections, and House Bill 4420 will go into effect on January 1. The only exception would be if the content is unconstitutional or harmful, and neither is the case for the student journalists of The Alestle.

“I stand with the students and staff behind The Alestle in their commitment to free press and free speech, and refusing to be silenced. I sincerely hope they are allowed to return to their high-quality and extremely important journalistic duties, without unjust institutional oversight and censoring.”

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CHICAGO— Legislation revamping the investigative process for field errors made by first responders is now law thanks to state Rep. Mike Kelly, D-Chicago. The new review system modernizes accidental and intentional error evaluation, creates a more experienced review board and ensures that, above all else, first responders are prioritizing patient care.

“Everyone makes mistakes, and that extends to first responders. We’re human and we make mistakes, but an error can mean life or death in our field,” said Kelly. “Accidents are bound to occur, so we have to have a procedure in place to investigate the error, discover the intention of the mistake and determine an adequate consequence or clearance for that first responder.”

Kelly led House Bill 4477 during this spring’s legislative session, requiring Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, to establish an approved Just Culture Matrix. A Just Culture Matrix is a system designed to promote safety and accountability through clear and consistent evaluations of conduct. The system differentiates errors made unintentionally by first responders from those who intentionally make a mistake in the field. 

A revamped review board, the Local System Review Board, can reassess a first responder’s suspension status post-evaluation. The review board now includes an emergency department physician with EMS experience, and two members with the same profession as the individual being investigated.

“First responders work in high-pressure, chaotic settings,” said Kelly. “Clear regulation sets expectations for first responders and prioritizes their patient’s wellbeing, and an understanding of the clear and consistent evaluation conducted if a mistake is made.”

House Bill 4477 has been signed into law and will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

CHICAGO— State Representative and Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Mike Kelly, D-Chicago, is ensuring first responders can receive confidential mental health support from their peers while creating new protections for “critical incident stress management” (CISM) communications. This is especially poignant on Patriot Day, remembering and honoring the service members who courageously responded to terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

“Even 25 years later, the attacks on September 11th still feel fresh,” said Kelly. “Today we remember those 3,000 Americans who lost their lives on that day, the first responders who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the scene and from long-lasting health complications, and all lives lost in the aftermath of this tragedy.”

Kelly’s House Bill 4842 expands existing protections under the First Responders Suicide Prevention Act to apply to group or individual counseling and peer advisors. The content of these conversations are confidential and cannot be shared, unless the first responder discloses information that a mandatory reporter must report including threats of violence or fraud, for example.

Additionally, new confidentiality protections are being established for “critical incident stress management” (CISM) communications. Any communication or records obtained by CISM teams or team members cannot be disclosed, following the same mandate reporter exceptions outlined above. 

“Being a first responder means assisting people—usually strangers—in the worst moments of their life, and supporting them in every way you can. We have to dismantle the stigma around mental health assistance, especially for first responders, to make sure the calls we respond to don’t take over our bodies and minds.

“With these new confidentiality protections, I hope organizations and departments will encourage their employees to go to counseling or talk to someone, and that first responders will use whatever avenue of care they need,” said Kelly.

House Bill 4842 will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please call dial or text 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org.

PLAINFIELD, Ill. — State Representative Jessica Dixon Heitman, D-Plainfield, released the following statement reflecting on the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001:

“We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001. So many Americans are too young to remember the devastation of that day, but the impact has reverberated into a new generation. Our daughters and sons might not have been there, but they know the impact felt across the nation. 

“The heroics of New York’s finest that day can’t be understated. The police officers, firefighters, emergency responders and everyone else on the scene are true heroes. From the healthcare workers who provided care for survivors to the passengers who fought their hijackers, we truly saw some of the clearest examples of patriotism—even as our nation was under attack. 

“Today we remember those who lost their friends and family 25 years ago, and in the aftermath of the tragedy since then. No fatality number truly represents how many people’s lives were changed in this act of terror and cowardice. It changed us as a nation, and as people. 

“In 2001, we rallied around our neighbors, friends, community members, and first responders. We were united as Americans deep into our core. I hope today, as we remember the lives lost on September 11, we also remember what it was like to put our differences aside and truly embody our name as the United States of America.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, released the following statement in remembrance of the courage demonstrated and lives lost on September 11, 2001:

“It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, our nation was under attack. Everyone remembers where they were on September 11, 2001, and it’s hard to describe the feelings and emotions of that day to the young people who didn’t experience it. Every American’s hearts were broken, and we all felt a particular type of fear that’s hard to put into words.

“I’m in awe of the courage, bravery and selflessness that first responders and bystanders exhibited that day. Despite terror and chaos, first responders and healthcare workers found a way to push through and help their fellow man. Passengers on Flight 93 fought their hijackers, paying the ultimate sacrifice to spare the Pentagon from attack. These men and women are true patriots, and today we honor and remember their heroism in the face of terror.

“Today, my heart is with the families of the victims of this heinous attack, and the survivors who, despite all odds, made it through. I admire the strength and steadiness of these families who have mourned the loss of their loved ones with our entire country.

“We will never forget the immeasurable impact of September 11 on our country, and we must strive for a better, safer nation in the honor of the lives lost on that horrific day.”

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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement reflecting on the 25th anniversary since the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001:

“We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001; we remember how time stood still, watching the unimaginable unfold before our eyes. The impact of that attack has reverberated in our country’s DNA ever since, from creating the Department of Homeland Security to bolstering TSA procedures.

“The heroes on September 11 still deserve our recognition and praise, from the first responders who risked life and limb in New York to the passengers who disrupted their hijackers, paying the ultimate sacrifice to redirect their plane. It’s impossible to say how many Americans lost their lives between plane passengers, building occupants, first responders in the moment or years later due to health complications, family members succumbing to grief and mental illness, and everyone in between.

“I send my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to all of the families who continue to be impacted by this horrific attack. I’m reminded never to take my family and friends for granted, and of my appreciation of the men and women who put on their uniform and keep our community safe day in and day out.

“When I think back to the devastation of September 11th, I also remember the unification and patriotism of September 12th and every day after as we tried to navigate American life in a new world. We all united, despite all odds and all our differences, in a devastating moment to support our fellow Americans. That deep sense of patriotism still lives in us, and I hope this anniversary reminds us of the connection we once felt.

“We will not soon forget the lives lost and sacrifices made 25 years ago. It’s our duty as Americans to remember the fallen, and to take every action possible to keep our nation safe and secure in their honor.”

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SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, will moderate and host the Center of Concern’s upcoming program titled The Growing Gap: Cost of Living and Community Needs on Sept. 14.

“Affordability is one of the biggest issues facing our state and, frankly, our whole country,” said Mussman. “I’m excited to moderate these important conversations on what our community members are really struggling with, and how we can formulate solutions accordingly.”

Following an introduction from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Mussman will moderate a conversation with panelists Danita Childers of Housing Authority of Cook County, Tangela Eniya of Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Dr. Kiran Joshi of Cook County Department of Public Health and John F. Schomberg of Illinois Department of Human Services.

“While I’m guiding this conversation rather than participating, I’ll be paying close attention and looking for ways state legislation can impact and improve lives in our community,” said Mussman. “I invite everyone to attend to share your experiences and engage in a meaningful discussion on how we can decrease the cost of living.”

WHEN: Monday, September 14

5:30 p.m. Networking and Appetizers

6:30 p.m. Program Begins

WHERE: Des Plaines Theater

1476 Miner Street

Des Plaines, IL 60016

Find more information and RSVP here.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As an essential member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the Illinois General Assembly, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, will continue advocating for veterans’ top concerns and issues across the state as the most recent appointee to the Illinois Veterans Advisory Council.

“I’m honored to serve on this council,” said Briel. “Illinoisans who served our country are essential to our communities. Whether it’s access to specialized healthcare, ensuring qualified veterans are first in line for a good paying job, or simply ensuring every single veteran has food on the table—I’m committed to stability, security and a future our veterans can count on.”

Briel will work alongside bipartisan lawmakers, active military personnel and veteran service organizations to review, study and recommend actionable changes to better support veterans statewide—including improvements to mental health and psychiatric care, home modification and food assistance, employment aid and more to ensure veterans re-entering civilian life have a supportive transition. Briel was appointed to the seat Tuesday by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

“I look forward to collaborating with an expert group of advocates to ensure Illinois veterans remain healthy, safe and proud to call this state home,” said Briel.

To learn more about the Illinois Veterans Advisory Council, visit https://veterans.illinois.gov/.

For more information, please email contact@staterepbriel.com.