Latest Updates:
Slaughter Urges Continued Adherence to Public Health Guidelines During COVID ‘Bridge Phase’
CHICAGO – As Illinois moves closer to a full reopening, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is encouraging residents and business owners to take note of the latest capacity limits and to continue following public health measures to keep COVID cases down.
Vella Backs Legislation Expanding Tax Deduction for Companies
ROCKFORD, Ill. – With many businesses struggling due to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is backing legislation to provide relief to companies by allowing them to receive a full State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, rather than the deduction being capped at $10,000.
Hirschauer Joins House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, has been appointed to serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for the remainder of the 2021-2022 legislative session, pledging to be a strong advocate for military families and veterans seeking support to meet their housing, employment and health care needs.
Senate and House Democrats Propose New Supreme Court Boundaries
SPRINGFIELD – The Senate and House Redistricting Committees today released a proposed map of new Illinois Supreme Court boundaries to bring them into compliance with the Illinois Constitution by reflecting population shifts over the nearly 60 years since the map was last drawn in 1963.
Ford Cannabis License Equity Plan Passes the House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois’ retail cannabis industry would diversify under a bill passed today by state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, that aims to correct a flawed license lottery system that has prevented minority residents from being able to open businesses.
Buckner-Backed Bill Seeks To Aid Students in College Admissions Process
CHICAGO – Due to the challenges of remote learning recent graduating high-school students have faced, state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, advanced legislation that will make standardized admissions tests optional for aspiring college freshmen of Illinois Colleges and Universities.
Mason Bill to Restore Benefits to LGBTQ Veterans Passes Both Chambers
GURNEE, Ill. – Today, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, passed her measure out of the Senate to restore state benefits to LGBTQ veterans who have been denied access to them because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Mason’s House Bill 1290 now goes to the governor’s desk for final approval.
Manley Backs Legislation to Increase Gun Safety
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In order to keep guns out of the wrong hands, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, helped pass legislation that would strengthen Illinois’ “Red Flag” laws, which allow family members to petition the court to remove guns from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others.
House Passes Hirschauer-Backed Plan to Increase Access to Menstrual Products
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Menstruating students in 4th through 12th grade would have free access to tampons and pads in school bathrooms under a plan sponsored by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, which passed the House last week.
Yang Rohr Supports Cut to Trailer Tax Fees
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is working to reverse the increase in license plate fees for small trailers, having supported legislation that would reduce the annual registration fee from $118 to $18.
Proposed Legislative Map Reflects Diversity of Illinois
Public encouraged to provide feedback on boundaries ahead of vote by General Assembly
Yang Rohr Supports Legislation to Educate Students On Asian American History
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Asian American history will now be taught to students across Illinois under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, which passed the Illinois House of Representatives with bi-partisan support.
Manley-Backed Emergency Housing Legislation Signed into Law
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – With many residents facing uncertainty due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, supported legislation helping families stay in their homes.
Vella Encourages Local Restaurants and Bars to Apply for Emergency Aid
ROCKFORD, Ill. – With the COVID-19 pandemic causing hardship for many small businesses, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is highlighting the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which helps restaurants and other qualified businesses make up COVID-19-related revenue losses.
Mason Shares New Rental Relief Program
GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is encouraging tenants and landlords who have experienced financial hardship as a result of the pandemic to apply for relief funding through the new Illinois Rental Payment Program.
Manley Cracks Down on Unsafe School Disciplinary Practices
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To help keep students safe in schools, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, backed legislation that would phase out the use of dangerous restraints and “quiet rooms” to discipline students.
Stuart Backs Measure to Combat Opioid Crisis
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to prevent drug manufacturers and doctors from fueling the opioid crisis, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, recently voted to pass a measure that expands Illinois’ prescription monitoring program, which helps to track individuals who are seeking to obtain multiple prescriptions for opioids.
Slaughter Highlights Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
CHICAGO – To address the digital divide and ensure that families throughout the community have access to internet and digital resources, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is promoting the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit program.