Latest Updates:
Stuart-Backed Human Trafficking Bill Advances to Senate
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hotel and motel employees would receive training on how to recognize instances of human trafficking under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, which passed the House on Wednesday.
Welch Spearheads Proposal to Crack Down on Predatory Loans
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to protect consumers from predatory loans that target low-income communities, State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, has introduced legislation that puts restrictions on extreme auto loan title lending practices.
Yednock Legislation to Protect Labor Rights Passes Illinois House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, to protect the rights of labor members by maintaining the state’s power to regulate union agreements passed the Illinois House on Wednesday with bipartisan support.
Andrade Votes to Make to Health Care Coverage More Accessible to Working Families
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In light of Donald Trump decreasing outreach about affordable health care plans by 90%, State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, voted to pass legislation this week that will ensure information about how to enroll for health insurance coverage through the Illinois Marketplace is available to local residents.
Hernandez Fights for Mental Health Care Preparedness for Mothers
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – New mothers would benefit from greater mental health awareness under a bill backed by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, requiring hospitals to create programs to spread awareness about post-partum depression and other mental health needs for mothers before, during and after pregnancy.
Lilly-Backed Measure Giving Women, African-Americans a Voice on Corporate Boards Passes House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Women and African-Americans will be ensured a seat in the corporate boardroom under legislation recently passed by state Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, requiring Illinois’ publicly held corporations to prioritize gender and racial diversity on their boards of directors.
Mussman Supports Measure to Implement Mental Health Screenings for Students
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To advocate for early intervention of mental illness in children and teens, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, recently assisted legislation out of the House Elementary and Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Policies Committee to include mental health screenings in student health examinations.
Didech Invites Community Members to Attend Women’s Advisory Meeting
BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. – In an effort advance the conversation on women’s rights and women’s health in Illinois, state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, is inviting residents to participate in his upcoming Women’s Advisory Meeting on Sunday, April 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 6 at the Alcott Center, located at 530 Bernard Dr. in Buffalo Grove.
Didech Votes to Ensure Women Representation on Corporate Boards, Highlights Pay Equity Day
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to supporting women’s rights, state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, voted to pass legislation that would require publicly owned corporations in Illinois to have at least one female and one minority member on its board of directors.
Stuart Bill Would Require Health Insurers to Cover Donated Breast Milk
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is working to give women and children health insurance coverage for human breast milk. House Bill 3509 will aid women and babies that have obstacles to natural breastfeeding by offering health insurance coverage for donated human breast milk and milk fortifiers.
Manley Spearheads Bipartisan Push for Good Government
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to save local taxpayers money and to promote good government practices, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is sponsoring legislation to eliminate the office of the township clerk as a pilot program in certain Will County townships.
Mah Passes Bill to Expand SNAP-Eligible Foods for Vulnerable Families
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Elderly, disabled and homeless families without the ability to prepare their own meals would be able to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot and prepared food under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, which recently passed the House of Representatives.
Harper Sends Letter to the Editor Encouraging Legalization of Recreational Marijuana
While Illinois is finally ready to have a serious and overdue conversation about fairer, more reasonable marijuana laws, some special interests are pushing for continued prohibition. In stating they hope to “slow down” the process of legalization, these special interests are perpetuating a unfair, unequal process in which marijuana is effectively legal for recreational use—if you’re white.
Manley Highlights COWL Scholarship, Encourages Local Women to Apply
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting the Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) of the Illinois General Assembly’s 2019-2020 Scholarship Award Program and is encouraging local women to apply.
Hernandez Supports Illinois Math and Science Academy Renovations
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Aurora’s Illinois Math and Science Academy will be able to more easily afford renovations under a bill sponsored by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, which allows the school to work freely with private companies.
Kifowit Passes Measure to Streamline Process of Obtaining Veteran ID
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Veterans would have fewer bureaucratic hoops to jump through during the process of obtaining a Veteran ID under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, which passed the House on Friday.
Mah Fighting to Protect Immigrant Tenants from Landlord Harassment
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois landlords would be prohibited from using tenants’ immigration status as a means of harassment or retaliation under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago.
Hernandez Legislation to Ensure Equity for All Illinois Students
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is fighting to expand access to higher education, working with a diverse coalition of legislators, advocates, and university officials to ensure that state financial aid is available to all Illinois students regardless of race, immigration status or gender identity.