Latest Updates:
Scherer Introduces Bill to Address Substitute Teacher Shortages
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, recently introduced a bill to allow retired teachers to act as substitutes for school districts experiencing substitute teacher shortages, without jeopardizing their retirement benefits.
Rep. Hernandez Fighting to Expand Gun Safety Protections
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is working to get guns out of dangerous hands by backing legislation to expand the list of people who can file for a firearm restraining order to include employers, coworkers and teachers.
Slaughters Partner with Local Elected Officials for a Black History Month Celebration
CHICAGO – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently partnered with local elected officials and organizations to host a Black History Month Celebration.
LaPointe Files Package of Legislation Supporting Individuals with Special Needs
CHICAGO – Continuing in her efforts to advocate for individuals with special needs, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, filed a package of legislation to make educational opportunities more accessible to students with intellectual disabilities.
Buckner Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Backs Bi-Partisan Bill
CHICAGO – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is backing bi-partisan legislation to create the Domestic Violence Task Force aimed at analyzing current Illinois statute in order to create effective policy solutions to better support victims and survivors of domestic violence.
State Rep. Hernandez Raises Awareness of Escalating Higher Education Costs, Necessity of Financial Aid Opportunities
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is working to combat rising higher education costs and raise awareness of the increasing financial burden colleges and universities place on students by introducing a resolution declaring May 29, 2020 as College Savings Day.
Manley Measure to Expand Reporting of School Employee Sex Offenses Signed by Governor
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To better protect children and increase awareness of situations involving school employees under investigation for sex offenses, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, recently passed a new law to increase reporting of sex offense prosecutions involving school employees.
Latino Caucus Condemns Racist GOP Rhetoric
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement in response to the Republican attempts to misrepresent legislation preventing the extrajudicial detention of immigrants:
LaPointe Introduces Bill Advocating for First Responders Workers’ Comp. to Cover PTSD
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – This past week, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, introduced legislation allowing first responders to file workers’ compensation claims to coverage post-traumatic stress. If passed, this measure would expand workers’ compensation for all Illinois firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics.
Stuart to Hold Women’s Supply Drive
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To ensure local women and girls have sufficient access to feminine hygiene products, state Rep. Katie Stuart is collaborating with the Soup-n-Share Outreach Program to host a supply drive for feminine hygiene products. The supply drive will be held throughout the month of March, in honor of Women’s History Month. There will be a donation box at Stuart’s constituent service office, located at 2105 Vandalia St. Unit #16 in Collinsville, as well as at the Soup-n-Share at 5 Caine Drive in Madison.
LaPointe, Martwick Team Up to Co-Host Upcoming Women’s Self-Defense Class
CHICAGO – State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, is teaming up with Sen. Rob Martwick, D-Chicago, to co-host an upcoming Women’s Self-Defense Class. The class is free and open to the community. The event will take place on Friday, Feb. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pope Francis Global Academy located at 6143 W. Irving Park Road.
Hoffman Leads Initiative to Remove Standardized Test Scores from College Applications
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To expand higher educational opportunities, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is sponsoring new legislation to remove the condition that college applicants submit scores to standardized tests like the ACT or SAT.
Stuart Promotes American Heart Month and Upcoming Health Fair
GRANITE CITY, Ill. – To call attention to public and community health, state Rep. Katie Stuart is highlighting February as American Heart Month. As part of her efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle, Stuart will be hosting a Senior Health Fair on March 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Granite City Township Hall, located at 2020 Delmar Ave. in Granite City.
Mason Bill Seeks to Bring Vaping Education to Schools
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois students would receive education on the risks of vaping under a new measure introduced by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee. Mason’s House Bill 3928 amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act to include e-cigarettes and vaping devices as topics that must be covered in school health curricula.
Lilly Highlights New Law to Reinstate Driver’s Licenses Suspended for Ticket Debts
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new state law supported by state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, will reinstate driving privileges for thousands of Illinois residents whose license was suspended for reasons unrelated to safety, such as the inability to pay parking tickets.
Manley Wears Red to Highlight American Heart Month
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To bring attention to American Heart Month and the impact heart health has on overall wellbeing, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, recently wore red and met with American Heart Association advocates at the state Capitol.
Slaughters Hosts Salary Negotiation and Career Skills Workshop for Women
CHICAGO – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently partnered with the nonprofit organization Women Employed to host a workshop to help local women understand the state’s new equal pay laws and strategies for successful career advancement.
Flowers Welcomes Pastor Wayne L. Smith to Capitol to Lead Opening Prayer
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Pastor Wayne L. Smith of New Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago delivered the invocation before Gov. Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday as a guest of state Rep. Mary E. Flowers, D-Chicago.