Latest Updates:
Hernandez Combats Gun Violence, Passes Measure to Strengthen Firearm Restraining Orders in Illinois
AURORA, Ill. – As part of her ongoing efforts to improve gun safety laws in Illinois, state Rep Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, supported legislation that strengthens Illinois’ red flag laws, known as firearm restraining orders (FRO) to allow more family members to petition the court to remove guns and ammunition from individuals who pose a threat to others or themselves.
Yednock Passes Resolution Recognizing Streator Unlimited for Work for Epilepsy
STREATOR, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is recognizing Streator Unlimited, Inc., a local social service agency, and local students for their work to tackle modern problems with new learning technologies by designing a video game to help reinforce positive habits for people with epilepsy.
Hirschauer Bill Supports Inclusive Health Care for LGBTQ Patients
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To combat discrimination and help doctors better meet the needs of their LGBTQ patients, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is sponsoring legislation that would mandate anti-bias training for health care professionals in Illinois.
Avelar Highlights Emergency Housing Assistance for Renters Affected by COVID-19
BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – To address ongoing concerns of housing instability during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, recently co-sponsored legislation to provide emergency rental assistance for residents of Illinois.
Stuart to Host Webinar on Latest COVID Relief Options for Small Businesses
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To help locally-owned businesses rebound after COVID closures, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is partnering with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to host a virtual information session on small business assistance programs next Tuesday, May 25 at 4 p.m.
Scherer Advances Legislation to Wave Application Fee for Gold Star License Plates
DECATUR, Ill. – To honor the families of fallen military soldiers, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, recently passed legislation that will waive application fees for Gold Star family license plates.
Yednock Sponsors Legislation to Support Protected Fish Species
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to promote restoration of Illinois’ native fish species, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is sponsoring a bill to strengthen penalties for those found guilty of capturing, killing or hunting protected fish species.
Yang Rohr Passes Measure to Add Suicide Hotline Numbers on Student ID’s, Reduce Suicide Rates Amongst Youth
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – School districts would be required to add suicide prevention hotline numbers on school-issued ID cards under legislation recently passed by state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville.
Hirschauer Backs Bill to Disarm Potential Mass Shooters
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the hands of potentially violent individuals, having recently voted to pass a measure to strengthen specific firearm restrictions for people who pose a risk to themselves or others.
Ness Backs Bill to Increase Affordable Housing Access for Community College Students
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, recently supported a measure to allow community colleges and housing development authorities to work together to develop affordable housing for students, making it easier for students with limited financial means to pursue a higher education.
Yang Rohr Backs Measure to Provide Treatment to Individuals Struggling with Addiction, Fights against Stigma around Addiction
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – As part of her commitment to helping individuals who struggle with addiction, state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, recently supported a measure that offers better access to treatment for people fighting addiction.
House Veterans Affairs Committee Held Hearing on LaSalle Veterans Home Failures
Today, the House Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing on the tragic, preventable COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home, which resulted in thirty-six saddening deaths. Witnesses from the hearing included deputy governor Sol Flores, Department of Veterans (IDVA) Affairs director Terry Prince and assistant director Anthony Vaughn, and Department of Public Health (IDPH) director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.
Vella Supports Legislation Protecting Workplace Harassment Victims
ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is working to support victims of workplace sexual harassment by voting for legislation that would prohibit employers from requiring employees to sign non-disclosure agreements in sexual assault or harassment settlements.
Ness-Sponsored Legislation to Form Domestic Violence Task Force Passes House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is sponsoring legislation to create a Domestic Violence Task Force to conduct a comprehensive study of current domestic violence laws in Illinois and look for ways to improve protections for victims of violence.
Stuart Leads Statewide Effort to Combat Elder Abuse
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Culminating her work as co-chair of Illinois’ Elder Abuse Task Force, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, passed two proposals out of a House committee Wednesday to better protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Vella Named to Veterans Affairs Committee, Pledges to Fight for Military Families
ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, has been appointed to serve on the Veterans’ Affairs committee for the remainder of 2021-2022 legislative session. The committee will nearly double from its current 6 members to 10.
Bill to strengthen the Firearms Restraining Order (FRO) passes House
HB 1092 will close loopholes and educate both law enforcement and the public on the FRO.
Gordon-Booth Works to Extend River Edge Historic Tax Credit
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is working to protect and extend critical tax credits to continue supporting investments in Peoria.