SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, issued the following statement Wednesday after being sworn in for a new term:

“As we start a new General Assembly, I’m encouraged by the work we’ve accomplished recently: passing an assault weapons ban, protecting reproductive freedoms, and rebuilding a strong economy. In my next term, I’m focused on solidifying Illinois’ foundation for success. I’ll be working to make Illinois the destination for businesses big and small, uplifting working- and middle-class families, and providing genuine property tax reform.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision:

“Today’s decision to overturn 50 years of settled law is a call to action for all Americans to defend their rights of privacy and personal choice. Illinois has been the leader in protecting the rights of choice and privacy for women, and we will continue to lead. We defend the rights of women, their families, and doctors to make the most intimate of healthcare decisions.

This radical decision sets the stage for attacks on access to birth control, in vitro fertilization, life-saving RNA and stem cell research, and same-sex marriage. These Justices have shown they’re not really conservatives, but extremists. There is no place for this extremism in Illinois.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – A new law spearheaded by state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, will strengthen consent laws, hold rapists accountable and provide justice for survivors of sexual assault.

“This law will close a loophole in our system that was allowing offenders to avoid prosecution by unfairly shifting blame on the survivors,” Walker said. “If someone becomes intoxicated by their own hand, in absolutely no way does that excuse criminal behavior directed toward them.”

Walker’s House Bill 5441 adds language to the state’s definition of “unable to give knowing consent” by specifying that one cannot give consent if they are too intoxicated due to voluntary consumption of drugs or alcohol. Before Walker’s proposal, Illinois statute only indicated that one is unable to give consent if the rapist administers drugs or alcohol that would cause the victim to become unconscious and the offender was reasonably aware of their condition.

“The existing system underscored a stigma in society that suggests that victims deserve to be blamed or are somehow responsible for sexual assault,” Walker said. “Today we’re standing with survivors. I am deeply thankful for the advocates and survivors who came forward to make today a reality. There’s still much more work to do, but today was an important step in the right direction.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, issued this statement following media reports regarding a draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade:

“The reported decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case is simply wrong. Access to reproductive health care is a basic right. I’m proud that Illinois is a state that defends women and protects reproductive rights.

“I remember a time before abortion was legalized nationwide and the horrible realities that meant for too many women and families. So long as I’m in the General Assembly, we will not go back.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – The sale and possession of un-serialized “ghost guns” would be banned under a plan backed this month by state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights.

“It’s important that guns have serial numbers so that our law enforcement can effectively trace their use if necessary,” Walker said. “With the rise of 3D printers, it’s becoming increasingly easier for individuals to make untraceable firearms. It’s critical that we’re proactive to prevent these ghost guns from becoming a greater problem.”

Walker supported House Bill 4383, which makes it unlawful to knowingly sell or transfer a firearm or unfinished frame or receiver without a serial number. Known as “ghost guns,” these weapons are often built at home with a gun kit or 3D printer. Once House Bill 4383 goes into effect, those who currently possess an un-serialized firearm or gun kit will be required to get them serialized within 180 days by a federal firearms manufacturer, federal firearms dealer or other federal licensee that provides marking services.

House Bill 4383 passed both houses of the General Assembly and is headed to the governor for approval.

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) last year saw approximately 20,000 suspected ‘ghost guns’ recovered by law enforcement,” Walker said. “We can’t wait on federal action for this growing issue. I’m dedicated to continuing our efforts to make communities safer by targeting gun violence.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Scrap yards and metal recyclers will be required to review and record the identification of catalytic converter part sellers under a plan backed by state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, which is headed to the governor for approval.

“There’s been a significant increase in catalytic converter thefts nationwide because people saw it as an opportunity to make a quick buck,” Walker said. “The result is innocent residents are not just losing their transportation, they’re having to deal with the hassle of insurance and expensive repairs.”

Walker backed House Bill 107, which will require scrap yards and metal recyclers to review and record the identification of catalytic converter sellers. In the event a seller does not possess a Secretary of State issued license identifying them as an automotive parts recycler or scrap processor, the seller will be required to fill out a 1099-MISC tax form by the purchaser. If a catalytic converter is valued at more than $100, buyers would be prohibited from making a cash purchase.

“This law will create a needed paper trail that will make thieves think twice,” Walker said. “It’s a needed deterrent, we have to stop catalytic converter theft from getting further out of control.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Underscoring the need for Illinois to stay on a fiscally-responsible track, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, backed a budget package that will deliver relief to Illinois families, helping them with property taxes and daily costs at grocery stores and the pump.

“On top of the pressures of the pandemic, a lot of residents are being hurt by inflation,” Walker said. “I’m glad to see that our budget plan accounts for these challenges, and will help families this year with some of their day-to-day expenses.”

Included in the Walker-supported plan, families will receive relief through:

• Direct checks to working families – at $50 per individual and $100 per child (up to three children per family);
• Suspension of the tax on groceries for one year;
• A six month freeze of motor fuel taxes;
• Doubling of property tax rebates (up to $300 per household); and
• A permanent expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The Walker-supported budget package also builds on efforts that have eliminated the state’s bill backlog and raised credit ratings. It helps to pay down pension and other debt early, saving taxpayers millions, while also directing $1 billion toward a rainy day fund that was virtually nonexistent.

“Illinois has finally turned the corner with good fiscal stewardship,” Walker said. “We’ve put ourselves in a position to better address challenges that may arise in the future, giving us greater flexibility to deliver on issues families are facing, and ensuring we’re able to properly invest in education, economic development and public safety. This budget is a good step forward.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With women’s reproductive rights under threat in states across the country, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, supported a resolution Thursday in the House that underscores the need to keep and strengthen the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case.

“I believe a woman should be the one to make personal decisions about her body, not extreme politicians,” Walker said. “Since 1973, Roe v. Wade has established that it is a fundamental right in our country to have safe and legal abortions. I’m worried that this health care right is under attack, and a lot of women are going to get hurt if we don’t stand up. ”

Walker served as a chief co-sponsor of House Resolution 790 on Thursday, which supports the Roe v. Wade decision and notes that judges and legal scholars on all ends of the political spectrum have repeatedly affirmed the case. It underscores the current threat to the decision by anti-choice activists and right-wing politicians, and emphasizes the need for Illinois to take steps on the state level to protect a women’s right to choose. House Resolution 790 also points out that the right to privacy underpinning Roe v. Wade protects not just abortion rights, but birth control and other rights we now regard as fundamental.

Walker on Thursday also voted for and was a chief co-sponsor of House Bill 1464, which would clarify state law to ensure that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) does not take disciplinary action against doctors and medical professionals based solely upon their license being revoked or disciplined in another state for an abortion-related act that otherwise is legal in Illinois. 

“This month was Women’s History Month, which reminds us of the struggle and sacrifice that so many have had to go through to advance women’s rights in this country,” Walker said. “We can’t go backwards, we have to move forward and ensure that all women have access to the reproductive health care they deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of efforts to bring a greater voice to Assyrian-Americans, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, recently joined his colleagues in the founding of a new Illinois Assyrian Caucus designed to better understand and prioritize the issues of the Assyrian community.

“Illinois is really fortunate to be the home of diverse, vibrant peoples from around the globe,” Walker said. “I’m proud to represent a community with many wonderful Assyrian-Americans, and I view the creation of this caucus as an opportunity to better prioritize their issues and concerns.”

The Illinois Assyrian Caucus includes members from the Illinois House and Senate, and aims to elevate the voice of Assyrians in state government by increasing visibility and creating a better understanding of the community’s needs. Assyrian people are indigenous to parts of modern-day Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. According to the Assyrian Universal Alliance Foundation, upwards of 100,000 Assyrians call Chicago and its surrounding suburbs home.

“It’s important that our work in Springfield reflects and represents everyone,” Walker said. “We’re the first state in the country to create an Assyrian caucus, let’s use it for positive action that can help our neighbors.” 

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – In partnership with the Arlington Heights Senior Center, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Kimberly Du Buclet, state Rep. Mark Walker and state Sen. Ann Gillespie are promoting their upcoming Drive Through Prescription Drug Take Back and Electronics Recycling Event to be held on Sat., August 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Arlington Heights Senior Center, located at 1801 W. Central Rd. in Arlington Heights.

“Properly disposing of prescription medications and recycling electronics are critical to keeping our drinking water and our environment safe for all,” Walker said. “Too often, individuals will flush their medication or dispose of them improperly. Our drug take back and electronics recycling event is a safe, secure way to dispose of any unwanted products that can be challenging to properly dispose of.”

Free and open to the public, this event is a first-come-first-serve drive-through format. Items will be accepted until all space is used in the collection trucks. Attendees may bring unwanted or expired human and pet medications to ensure proper disposal and may be brought in prescription bottles which will be shredded to protect attendees’ identities. Only pill medication will be accepted, please no liquid medication or sharps.

The accepted electronic items include cables, cell phones and telephone devices, computers and laptops, hardware and motherboards, holiday lights, monitors, calculators, printers and fax machines, game systems, stereos, toasters, blenders, toner cartridges, UPS and car batteries. Televisions are also accepted but are limited to one per household.

“We’d like to thank our community partners for helping organize this event, with a special thank you to the Arlington Heights Senior Center for use of their space,” Gillespie said. “It’s important that residents are aware of the many organizations and agencies in our area dedicated to things like clean drinking water, safe disposal of medication, and a healthier environment.”