Latest Updates:
State Rep. Stuart Highlights State Funding Adjustments for Area Schools
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is raising awareness after the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) found and corrected a coding error in the funding formula it uses to calculate state funding levels for local schools. The error, which is now being corrected, caused schools and school districts throughout Illinois to be underpaid by the state.
Vella-Supported Plan Would Increase Child Care Opportunities for Third Shift Workers and Off-Hours First Responders
ROCKFORD, Ill. – A measure backed by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, which is currently on the governor’s desk, would make the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) responsible for designing an off-hours child care program to meet the needs of first responders and other third shift workers.
Teacher Bills Co-Sponsored by State Rep. Katie Stuart Become Law
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two bills sponsored by State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, to address Illinois’ ongoing teacher shortage have now become law. HB 5472 removes barriers that prevented retired teachers from serving as substitute teachers without jeopardizing their retirement benefits; and SB 3907 extends the number of consecutive days that a substitute teacher can work from five to fifteen. The two bills were signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on April 22 and April 27, respectively.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Passes Breast Pump Parity Law, Advances Reproductive Rights in Illinois
AURORA, Ill. – Continuing to spearhead progress for reproductive rights in Illinois, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently had her measure to make breast pumps more affordable made law by Gov. Pritzker as part of a tax relief package to combat the effects of inflation hitting Illinois families.
Gong-Gershowitz Measure to Promote Ethical Housing Applications Process Signed into Law
GLENVIEW, Ill. – In her roles as Chair of the House Immigration and Human Rights Committee as well as a champion for housing rights, state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, passed House Bill 4605, which secures the right to a jury trial for people unfairly discriminated against while seeking a place to live.
Walker Backs Plan to Prohibit Untraceable “Ghost Guns”
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.
Rep. Hernandez to Host Día de Los Niños Celebration
CICERO, Ill. — To honor children and promote children’s literacy, state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is hosting a Día de Los Niños (Children’s Day) Celebration on Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at her district office located at 6117 Cermak Rd. in Cicero.
Yang Rohr Bill to Ease Teacher Shortage Signed Into Law
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to raise the quality of education in Illinois, state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, passed legislation to allow retired teachers to return to work as substitutes without impairing their pension status. Gov. Pritzker signed this bill into law on Friday.
Sen. Connor, Rep. Walsh, Rep. Avelar to Host Drive-Through Shred Event
JOLIET, Ill. – To help protect residents from fraud, state Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, in partnership with state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, and state Sen. John Connor, D-Lockport, is hosting a drive-through shred day event on Friday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sen. Connor’s office, located at 20660 Caton Farm Road, Unit D, Crest Hill 60403.
Mussman Bill to Prevent Teachers Guilty of Sexual Misconduct from Teaching Elsewhere Signed Into Law
SPRINGFIELD, Ill – Continuing her efforts to make Illinois schools a better learning environment, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, passed a law to prevent teachers with sexual misconduct convictions from teaching elsewhere.
State Rep. Bob Morgan’s Health Savings Account Bill Becomes Law
HIGHWOOD, Ill. –State Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Highwood, sponsored a bill signed Friday that carves out an exception for health savings account-qualified high deductible health plans (HDHP) from the prohibition on copay accumulator programs under the Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act. Morgan’s bill exempts such plans, subject to IRS requirements, from another law that barred providers from applying the amount a beneficiary saved using manufacturer coupons and other discounts toward their deductibles or annual out-of-pocket limits.
Hoffman Passes Measure to Offer $1,500 Rebate for Electric Motorcycles
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Electric motorcycle buyers would be eligible for a $1,500 rebate under a proposal passed and sent to the governor this month by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.
Walker Backs Effort to Stop Catalytic Converter Theft
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.
Vella Supports Measure to Help Victims of Car Theft, Works to Ensure they Avoid Getting Hit with Fees
ROCKFORD, Ill. – Residents who have their vehicle stolen will no longer be on the hook for fines accrued by the thief under a proposal supported by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford.
Walker Highlights Fiscally-Responsible State Budget, Efforts to Help Working Families
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.
Croke Passes Measure Combatting Organized Retail Theft, Fights for Public Safety
CHICAGO, Ill. – Following her ongoing efforts to keep her community safe from the threat of violent crime, state Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, passed legislation cracking down on organized retail theft. It is now headed to the Governor’s desk for signature.
DeLuca Highlights Session Work, Efforts to Help Working Families
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As spring legislative session concludes, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, is highlighting his work to help area families, invest in law enforcement and attract new business investment to the region.
Vella Highlights Tax Relief for Families in Passed Budget Plan
ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of efforts to support families recovering from the pandemic and dealing with rising inflation, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, backed a state budget plan that provides direct relief to residents, suspends the grocery tax and freezes the gas tax.