Latest Updates:
Ford Plan Would Increase Penalties on Street Racers, Expand Ability for Law Enforcement to Tow Vehicles
CHICAGO – With encounters between street racers and law enforcement continuing to go viral on social media, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is pushing a plan in Springfield that would enable law enforcement to more easily tow vehicles, while also expanding the state’s mob action laws to include illegal street racing, drifting and other dangerous vehicle stunts.
Benton Advances Bill Making Turkey Hunting More Accessible
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Young hunters and older sportspeople would have more options for turkey hunting under a new bill advanced through a House committee by state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, allowing smaller ammunition options that some find easier to use.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez to Hold Medicaid/SNAP Workshop
AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is holding a workshop to provide community members with assistance with Medicaid and SNAP services on Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church-Simard Hall, on 769 Fulton Street in Aurora....
Hernandez Advances Bill Protecting Families from Flood Insurance Mismanagement
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Local families would be better informed about their protection against flooding under a new law advanced by state Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, requiring home insurers to notify policyholders of flooding insurance coverage if their purchase covers flood and sewer backup.
Hernandez to Hold Press Conference on Nutritional Therapy
CHICAGO — State Rep. Norma Hernandez, D-Melrose Park, will hold a press conference in conjunction with Prestige Health to discuss Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT), as well as her House Bill 5249, that would make MNT available through the state’s medical assistance program. The press conference will be held Monday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the Morgan Arts Complex, 3622 S. Morgan St. in Chicago.
Manley Joins Other Community Leaders to Host a Blood Drive for International Women’s Day
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In honor of International Women’s Day, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, partnered with Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, and state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar to host a Blood Drive for International Women’s Day and give residents an opportunity to give back to the community and save lives. At the event, Manley joined attendees in giving blood and reaching the goal of donating over 30 units of blood. According to the American Red Cross, a patient in the United States needs blood or platelets every 2 seconds, requiring over 29,000 units of blood every day. If you missed Manley’s blood drive but still would like to give blood, please visit the American Red Cross’s website at redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.
Faver Dias Leads Progress on Expansion of Menopause-Related Hormone Therapy
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, is advancing a measure to require full health insurance coverage on any hormone therapy for menopause deemed medically necessary.
Rep. Sharon Chung Encourages Local Organizations Apply for Funding Through the Restore, Reinvest and Renew Program
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, is encouraging local organizations to apply for the newest round of grants from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA)’s Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) program. $30-million in grants are available for various kinds of organizations serving a wide range of needs.
Gordon-Booth Recognizes Equal Pay Day, Highlights State Efforts Including Paid Leave Law
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With March 12 marking this year’s Equal Pay Day, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is emphasizing the role the state can play in closing the wage gap and securing worker benefits – such as paid leave.
Manley Continues Efforts to Achieve Gender Pay Equality, Highlights Lilly Ledbetter on the House Floor
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To celebrate Women’s History Month, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, honored the work of Lilly Ledbetter to achieve gender pay equality on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives.
Ortíz: My Students Benefit From A Fully-Elected CPS School Board
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Aarón Ortíz, D-Chicago, issued this statement Thursday,
following the passage of legislation to implement a fully-elected school board for Chicago Public
Schools students.
Williams Passes ‘Equitable and Responsible’ Elected School Board Plan
SPRINGFIELD Ill. – State Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, released the following statement Thursday, celebrating the passage of legislation implementing an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools after years of negotiations and advocate input
Kelly Invites Area Residents to Blood Drive
CHICAGO — State Rep. Mike Kelly, D-Chicago, is holding a blood drive March 29 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Irish American Heritage Center located at 4626 N. Knox Ave. in Chicago.
Hirschauer Spotlights Improved Access to Reproductive Health Care
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement following an announcement that Walgreens will be adding Mifepristone, a life-saving reproductive health care medication, to some Illinois stores:
Jones Lauds Opening of Community Farm in Altgeld Gardens
SOUTH HOLLAND,IL – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, celebrated the opening of Bowen Harvest by activist group By the Hand, shrinking the dire food insecurity situation impacting the Altgeld Gardens community on Chicago’s South Side.
Gill Advances School Resource Officer Choice Bill Out of House Committee
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Local School Councils would have the option of keeping school resource officers under a proposal advanced out of a House committee Thursday by state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago.
Manley Continues Efforts to Provide Luggage to Foster Children
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To ensure that foster children are being provided with luggage to help them move their belongings, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is encouraging residents to donate their new or gently used luggage to her ongoing Luggage for Foster Kids Donation Drive. So far, the drive has collected over 130 pieces of luggage from community members. Manley was inspired to begin the donation drive after learning that many foster children do not have luggage to transport their items, forcing them to use trash bags as they move from place to place. Ensuring that foster children have the basic dignity afforded to them by owning a piece of luggage and being able to store and transport their belongings like their peers, can help alleviate the stigma that can come with being a foster child. Residents who would like to donate their luggage can set up a pickup or drop-off time with Manley’s district office by texting or calling 815-725-2741.
Buckner Criminal Justice Accountability Measures Hearing in House Judiciary – Criminal Committee
CHICAGO – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, will have his accountability and transparency in criminal justice measures, the Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act and Homicide Data Transparency Act, heard in front of the House Judiciary – Criminal Committee on Monday, March 11, at 11 a.m. in the Michael A. Bilandic Building, room C-600, located at 160 N. Lasalle Street in Chicago.