Latest Updates:
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Celebrates Passage of Health Care Reform Measures, Marking the Final Pillar of an Agenda Addressing Systemic Racism
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) is celebrating passage of the Illinois Health Care and Human Service Reform Act, a broad-based measure addressing challenges facing Illinois families including health care access, infant and maternal mortality, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and hospital access in low-income communities.
Stuart Bill Would Provide Tax Break for Back-to-School Shopping
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – Families would save some money during back-to-school shopping season under legislation introduced by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, to lower the sales tax on clothing and school supplies for a designated week at the beginning of August.
Vella Fights to Freeze Senior Property Tax Increases
ROCKFORD, Ill. – To help reduce the financial burden on his constituents, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, introduced legislation to lower property taxes on seniors by freezing assessment values for seniors receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Mason Advocates For Expanded Suicide Prevention in Schools
GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is sponsoring a measure that would update school suicide prevention guidance and give greater support to young people who are at an increased risk of committing suicide.
Ness Rejects Legislator Pension, Sponsors Legislation to Eliminate Perks for Politicians
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To cut down on wasteful spending, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is rejecting a taxpayer-funded pension and is sponsoring legislation to reign in perks for politicians.
Tarver Named Vice-Chair of Judicial-Civil Committee and Redistricting Committee, Fighting to Make Illinois Equitable for All
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To ensure the judicial system stays fair and impartial, state Rep. Curtis J. Tarver II, D-Chicago, will serve as vice-chair of the Judicial-Civil Committee, as well as vice-chair of the Redistricting committee, which redraws the state and congressional district boundaries.
Juneteenth State Holiday Proposal Introduced by Ford Passes House Committee with Bipartisan Support
CHICAGO – Illinois is one step closer to making Juneteenth an official state holiday after a bill introduced by state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, passed with bipartisan support in a House committee Wednesday.
Black Caucus Celebrates Signing of Historic Reforms to Advance Economic Access, Equity and Opportunity
CHICAGO — As Illinois works to build an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a slate of reforms spearheaded by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) to expand economic access, equity and opportunity.
Ness Sponsors Legislation to Expand Opportunities for Students at Community Colleges
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To increase access to affordable higher education, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is sponsoring legislation to expand eligibility for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) to students enrolled in certificate programs at public community colleges.
Manley Highlights Vaccine Appointment Assistance Service
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – With the announcement that all Illinois residents over the age of 16 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine next month, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) Vaccine Appointment Call Center, which will help residents navigate online services to make appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Stuart Invites Local Women to Virtual Advisory Committee Meeting
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To keep residents informed about her work in Springfield, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is hosting a Women’s Advisory Council meeting on Tuesday, March 30 at 6 p.m. Attendees must RSVP to repkatiestuart@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link in advance.
Mason Backs Bill to Examine Domestic Violence Deaths and Increase Prevention Efforts
GURNEE, Ill. – As part of her commitment to helping domestic abuse victims and survivors, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is backing a measure that would create a commission to identify and study contributing factors to crimes of severe domestic violence.
Vella Supports “No Budget, No Pay” Legislation
ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is backing legislation that would prevent state legislators from receiving a paycheck if no budget is passed.
Yang Rohr To Host March ‘Coffee and Conversation’ Event
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is hosting her monthly ‘Coffee and Conversation’ on Saturday, March 27 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.
Yednock Named Vice-Chair of Agriculture & Conservation Committee
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In recognition of his strong commitment to protecting local agriculture, farmers, and conservation efforts, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, has been named Vice-Chairman of the Agriculture & Conservation committee for the 102nd Illinois General Assembly.
Illinois House Passes Bills to Protect Renters, Homeowners and Advance Health Equity
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Today, the Illinois House of Representatives passed major, time-sensitive bills to protect underserved communities struggling through the pandemic and set Illinois on a path toward improved health equity. This was a significant day-of-action on the heels of the Democratic Caucus’s promise to swiftly respond to the multiple crises facing the state during the pandemic.
Vella Highlights COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Assistance Resource
ROCKFORD, Ill. – As the COVID-19 vaccination effort continues to ramp up, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is encouraging residents to utilize the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) Vaccine Appointment Call Center to assist with making COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Additionally, Vella’s district office is available to provide assistance to individuals seeking appointments.
Stuart Promotes Period Pack Stuffing Party with I Support the Girls
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – To increase access to menstrual products for individuals in need, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is joining area non-profit I Support the Girls to assemble period packs at Seams for the Soul and the Charlie Belle Shop on Sunday, March 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Stuart is inviting local residents to stop by, either to help with assembly or to drop off a donation of period supplies.