Latest Updates:
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.
Tarver Encourages Community Stakeholders to View Energy and Environment Committee Hearing on Lakefront Erosion
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Curtis J. Tarver, II, D-Chicago, is inviting residents to tune into a live stream of the House Energy and Environment Committee on March 22 at 4:00 p.m. for a subject matter hearing on lakefront erosion, a serious issue that is displacing residents and businesses in Tarver’s district.
Yang Rohr Sponsors Legislation to Stop Perks for Politicians
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – To ensure that taxpayers are not on the hook for the mismanagement of state funds, state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is supporting legislation that would prevent legislators from being paid if there is not a state budget in place.
Mason Fights to Restore Benefits to Veterans
GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is fighting to restore benefits to veterans who have been barred from receiving them due to having service-related PTSD, traumatic brain injury, experiencing sexual assault or being a member of the LGBTQ community.
Stuart Applauds Progress on SIUE Health Sciences Building Project
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Design and planning are underway for a new health sciences building at SIUE, thanks in part to efforts by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, to secure millions in funding for the project in the historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan in 2019.
Stuart Introduces Legislation to Combat Elder Abuse
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is working to address the underreporting of elder abuse through recently introduced legislation, which would require suspicious deaths of seniors to be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Hernandez Invites Residents to Nominate Local Senior for Senior Hall of Fame Award
AURORA, Ill. – To recognize older adults who have contributed notable service to their community during the pandemic, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is encouraging community members to nominate a local senior for the Illinois Department of Aging 2021 Senior Hall of Fame Awards.