Latest Updates:
Hirschauer Passed New Law to Protect Students from Trauma
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To help keep students safe during school lockdown drills, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, sponsored an initiative to implement best practices, while ensuring these drills include trauma-informed approaches and age appropriate content. After passing through the legislature with bipartisan support, the new law will take effect immediately.
Yednock Supports Task Force Focused on First Responder Suicide Prevention
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois First Responders Suicide Prevention Task Force will now be required to establish improved guidance to aid the mental health of first responders as a part of new legislation supported by state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa.
Avelar Tours State Capitol with Local Students, Encourages Youth to Become Involved
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, recently hosted a group of students from the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project on a tour of the Illinois State Capitol.
Yang Rohr to Host August ‘Coffee and Conversation’ Event
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is hosting her monthly ‘Coffee and Conversation’ event on Saturday, Aug. 28 on Zoom. She is inviting residents from Naperville and Warrenville to discuss key local issues and to share ideas and information about her legislative agenda.
Manley Highlights National Immunization Awareness Month, New ‘Vax Verify’ Vaccination Records Portal
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As Illinois continues to face a surge in COVID-19 cases, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting National Immunization Awareness Month, encouraging residents to get vaccinated and bringing attention to the new ‘Vax Verify’ online immunization records portal.
House Speaker and Senate President Statements on Return for Special Session
The Speaker and Senate President are convening a special session on Tuesday, August 31 at 12 pm, for the purpose of considering legislative measures related to the legislative redistricting plan, pursuant to a Joint Proclamation.
Slaughter Measure Creates Resentencing Task Force to Rein In Illinois’ Growing Prison Population
CHICAGO – To reduce Illinois’ ever-growing prison expenditures and advance the interests of justice, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently championed legislation that will create a statewide task force on resentencing which will look for ways to safely reduce Illinois’ prison population.
Nichols-Supported Bill Allowing Schools to Distribute Unused Food Signed into Law
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to create a positive learning environment for students, state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, helped pass legislation allowing public schools to give unused food to their students who are in need.
Stuart to Host Town Hall on Higher Education
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is inviting students, faculty and other stakeholders to a town hall on higher education at SIUE’s B. Barnard Birger Hall located at 30 N. Circle Dr. on Aug. 24 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Slaughter-Backed Legislation Allows Electronic Wills
CHICAGO –To allow technology a bigger role in estate planning and address public health concerns during the ongoing pandemic, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will legalize electronic wills that were signed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manley Continues Fight for Increased Funding to End Alzheimer’s Disease
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As part of her work to raise awareness and bring an end to all forms of dementia, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, passed a new law that will extend an important funding source for the Alzheimer’s Awareness Fund through the Illinois lottery.
Mason Highlights New Relief Funds Available for Small Businesses
GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is encouraging small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for the Back to Business Grants now available through the state and the Department of Commerce and Economic Activity (DCEO).
Hirschauer Highlights Back to Business Program Grants
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – As businesses continue to recover from the pandemic, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is encouraging small businesses to apply for the Back to Business grant program (B2B) from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Stuart-Backed Bill to Increase Access to FMLA for Educators Signed into Law
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To improve Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) coverage, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, sponsored a measure that qualifies hourly workers at public schools, universities, and community colleges for 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the FMLA.
Kifowit Encourages Local and Small Businesses to Apply to the Illinois Back to Business Grant Program
AURORA, Ill. – In an effort to further support the local economy, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, encourages small and local businesses to apply for the Back to Business Grant Program, which has been set up to support the continued recovery of Illinois businesses. The application process formally opens August 18 for businesses to begin to apply.
New Nichols-Supported Law Expands Rental Assistance
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To ensure that residents are not struggling to keep a roof over their head, state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, helped pass legislation expanding eligibility for rental assistance.
Vella Legislation Honoring Illinois National Guard Soldiers Signed into Law
ROCKFORD, Ill. – To ensure that Illinois National Guard soldiers are given the recognition and respect they deserve, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, passed legislation providing an Illinois State flag to the next of kin of Illinois National Guard soldiers who die while on active state duty.
Hernandez-Backed Measure to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability
AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently supported a measure to create a prescription drug repository program in Illinois, allowing for unused, unopened prescription drugs to be donated and distributed to patients.