Latest Updates:
Canty Measure to Support Grocery Stores in Food Deserts Signed into Law
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — A bipartisan measure backed by state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, to combat food insecurity by making financial assistance available to grocery stores located in areas designated as food deserts, was signed by the governor on Aug. 18.
Ford, Riverside Officials to Host Press Conference in Support of Decertified Officer Zenna Ramos
RIVERSIDE, Ill. – Underscoring the need to give people second chances, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will join decertified officer Zenna Ramos, Village of Riverside President Joseph Ballerine, Village of Riverside Director of Public Safety Matthew Buckley and other local officials at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 1:30 p.m. at the Riverside Village Office to encourage the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) to reverse their decision.
Ortíz-Backed Legislation Protecting Workers Now Law
CHICAGO – State Rep. Aarón Ortíz, D-Chicago, continued to put working families first in his legislative priorities, passing two new laws to advance the right to unionize and equal treatment of freelance workers.
Benton Presses DCFS to Lessen Burdens on Childcare Providers Through Improved Flexibility
PLAINFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is questioning recent decisions by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in response to concerns voiced by childcare providers across the state following DCFS’ decision to issue new rules ending the so-called “three hour rule,” which had been put in place to address childcare staffing concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manley Bill Cracking Down on Lewd Behavior in Prison Signed into Law
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In order to help protect correctional officers and prison staff, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Romeoville, passed legislation aimed at preventing inappropriate behaviors in prison which was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker last month.
Rep. Rashid Appointed Co-Chair of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force by Speaker Welch
BERWYN, Ill. – State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, has been appointed by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch to serve as co-chair of the state’s new artificial intelligence (AI) task force.
DuBuclet Leads Effort to Establish Emmett Till Day in Illinois
CHICAGO – To commemorate the life of Emmett Till and ensure that no one forgets the role he played in our state and nation’s history, state Rep. Kimberly DuBuclet, D-Chicago, introduced legislation to designate July 25th as Emmet Till Day in Illinois.
Mayfield Passes Law Requiring Creation of Statewide Literacy Education Plan
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will be required to create a statewide literacy plan by early 2024 under a newly-effective law sponsored by state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan.
Manley-Supported Legislation Lowering the Cost of Insulin Signed into Law
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As part of her efforts to ensure that residents have access to life-saving medications at an affordable cost, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Romeoville, helped pass two pieces of legislation that have been signed into law by Gov. Pritzker that will lower the price of insulin.
Scherer-Backed Law Improves Access to Affordable Prosthetics
DECATUR, Ill. – Patients will have greater access to needed prosthetic devices under a new law backed by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, requiring insurance companies to cover the costs of medically appropriate devices.
Rashid Bill Expanding Access to Dual Language Programs Signed into Law
BERWYN, IL. – Legislation championed by state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, to ensure Illinois develops a blueprint to expand high-quality dual language programs in our public schools is now law.
Benton “Pets for Vets” Bill Becomes Law
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Military veterans in Illinois will soon be able to take in adoptable pets free of charge under a bill passed by state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, that recently became law.
Nichols Combats Recidivism with Free ID Card Law
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Formerly incarcerated Illinoisans will be better prepared to successfully re-enter society and secure work and housing under a new law enacted by state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, ensuring ex-offenders are released with a free state ID card.
Stava-Murray Sustainability Law Permits Consumer-Owned Containers at Restaurants, Ready-to-Eat Retailers
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois consumers wishing to reduce their material footprint will have additional flexibility under a new law passed by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove, that permits restaurants and food retailers to fill or refill consumer-owned, reusable containers with ready-to-eat or dry bulk foods, eliminating the necessity of using disposable containers for that purpose.
Hernandez’s New Law Expands Access to Care for People with Disabilities
CICERO, Ill. – More family members will be able to serve as caregivers for people with disabilities under a new law enacted by state Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, expanding eligibility and benefits for in-home personal assistants.
Scherer Applauds Memorial of Springfield Mental Health Pioneer, Continues to Fight for Access to Healthcare
DECATUR, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is commending the decision to name a Springfield mental health center after Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard, a local advocate for women and mental healthcare.
Avelar to Accept James Monroe Smith Founder Award for Promoting Improved Access to Health Care
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Healthcare advocates are honoring state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, with the James Monroe Smith Founder Award, for her work helping connect uninsured patients in Illinois hospitals with sources of coverage and financial aid.
Avelar Law Aims to Improve Cultural Competency in Health Care
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Health care professionals will regularly train in best practices for working with patients of diverse backgrounds under a new law introduced by state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook.