Latest Updates:
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.
Stuart Appointed to Midwestern Higher Education Compact
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As a newly appointed commissioner for the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will join regional policymakers and university leaders in collaborative efforts to encourage best practices in the field of higher education.
Vella Backs Bill to Cut Trailer Fees
ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to keep money in the pockets of his constituents, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is supporting legislation that would reduce the annual registration fee of a flat trailer (TA trailer).
Mason-Backed Bill Seeks to Reduce Potential Trauma During School Lockdown Drills
GURNEE, Ill. – Students’ mental health would be better protected during active shooter and school lockdown drills under legislation supported by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee.
Avelar Backed Legislation Allows for More Transparency on Prescription Drug Prices
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to keep prescription drug costs affordable and transparent, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, recently sponsored legislation to require all pharmacies to inform customers of the retail price of each drug or medical device that the pharmacy sells.
Tarver Sponsors Legislation to Provide Civics Training for Juveniles Re-Entering Society
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to prepare adolescents for re-entrance into society and reduce rates of recidivism, state Rep. Curtis J. Tarver II, D-Chicago, is sponsoring legislation to provide civics education for inmates at the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
Buckner Advances New Legislation to Protect Consumers from Entering Unwanted Loan Agreements
CHICAGO – To protect residents from entering unwanted loan agreements, state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, advanced legislation that will prohibit the distribution of unsolicited loan checks to consumers.
Avelar Sponsored Legislation Passes House to Protect Groundwater Supply from Contamination
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Understanding the importance of setting the standard for environmentally friendly habits and environmental preservation, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is sponsoring a bill that will increase the testing of incoming debris to clean fill sites in an effort to avoid the contamination of groundwater.
Mason Backs Bill to Crack Down on Veterans’ Services Scams
GURNEE, Ill. – Veterans would be warned before paying for a service they could receive for free from a government agency under legislation backed by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee.
Speaker Welch Announces New Appointment to House Democratic Leadership Team
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch today announced Representative Frances Ann Hurley as the new whip of the Democratic Moderate Caucus (Mod Caucus), a relatively new caucus of like-minded members who advocate for a balanced, steady approach to lawmaking.
Yang Rohr Advances Legislation to Help People With Disabilities
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Assistive technology devices and services needed by people with disabilities will become easier to acquire under new legislation sponsored by state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville.
Manley Backs Bill to Protect Sexual Crime Victims
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Romeoville, is supporting legislation that allow victims of sexual crimes to have permanent civil no contact orders against their assailants if they are convicted of a sexual crime.