Latest Updates:
![LaPointe and Pacione-Zayas’ “Too Young to Test” Bill Now Law](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/LaPointe.jpg)
LaPointe and Pacione-Zayas’ “Too Young to Test” Bill Now Law
CHICAGO – The State of Illinois will be prohibited from financially supporting standardized tests for young students under a new law spearheaded by state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, D-Chicago.
![Lilly-led Measure to Support Veterans Signed by Governor](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Lilly.jpg)
Lilly-led Measure to Support Veterans Signed by Governor
CHICAGO, Ill. – Legislation to analyze and research field services for the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), introduced by state Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker Friday.
![Hoffman Highlights Economic Relief for Families in Passed Budget Package](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Hoffman.jpg)
Hoffman Highlights Economic Relief for Families in Passed Budget Package
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is highlighting passage of a responsible state budget that invests in critical services, improves the state’s financial outlook and provides needed relief to families – including direct checks to residents and suspension of grocery taxes.
![Rep. Barbara Hernandez Holding Animal Shelter Donation Drive](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/0313J117.jpg)
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Holding Animal Shelter Donation Drive
AURORA, Ill. – Continuing her commitment to community engagement and animal rights, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is holding an Animal Shelter Donation Drive from May 9th through May 31st. Drop off locations are at her office at 540 W. Galena in Aurora and the Endiro Coffee shop at 29 W. New York in Aurora.
![Hoffman Responds to GOP, Highlights Strong Fiscal Responsibility Delivered by House Dems](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/0226J693.jpg)
Hoffman Responds to GOP, Highlights Strong Fiscal Responsibility Delivered by House Dems
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, issued the following statement Thursday in response to a Republican press conference on the budget:
![Rep. Manley Celebrates Final Phase of Joliet Gateway Center](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Manley1.jpg)
Rep. Manley Celebrates Final Phase of Joliet Gateway Center
JOLIET, Ill. — State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting the formal opening of the final phase of the Joliet Gateway Center. The project, funded by a combination of federal, state and local contributions, is a product of collaborative efforts among all levels of government.
![Walsh to Host Identity Theft Prevention Seminar](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/0411J174.jpg)
Walsh to Host Identity Theft Prevention Seminar
SHOREWOOD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, is partnering with Troy Township and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to host an educational seminar on identity theft and scam prevention tips. The event will take place May 17 at 6 p.m. at the Troy Township Community Center, 25448 Seil Road, Shorewood.
![Manley Urges Governor to Sign Proposal to Help First Responders and Third Shift Workers Access Off-Hours Child Care](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0326J256.jpg)
Manley Urges Governor to Sign Proposal to Help First Responders and Third Shift Workers Access Off-Hours Child Care
JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to sign the Off-Hours Child Care Act, a Manley-led initiative that would empower the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to design an off-hours child care program that meets the needs of first responders and other third shift workers.
![Vella-led Measures Aimed at Recruiting and Retaining Law Enforcement Officers Signed by Governor](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vella.jpg)
Vella-led Measures Aimed at Recruiting and Retaining Law Enforcement Officers Signed by Governor
ROCKFORD, Ill. – A pair of proposals passed by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, aimed at developing incentives to recruit and retain quality officers have been signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
![Gordon-Booth and Peoria Public Schools to Highlight New Funding for Fine Arts Programming, Upcoming Audio, Visual and Digital Production Space](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Gordon-Booth.jpg)
Gordon-Booth and Peoria Public Schools to Highlight New Funding for Fine Arts Programming, Upcoming Audio, Visual and Digital Production Space
PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, will join Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Board of Education President Gregory Wilson and Board of Education Vice-President Martha Ross Thursday afternoon to announce new state investment aimed at supporting fine arts programming at Peoria Public Schools – including funding for a new audio, visual and digital production space and pathway.
![Walsh to Host Identity Theft Prevention Seminar](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/0411J174.jpg)
Walsh to Host Health Care Fraud Seminar
JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, in collaboration with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Office, is hosting an educational event on health care fraud on Monday, May 16 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Services of Will County Center located at 251 N. Center St. in Joliet.
![Scherer-Backed Bill to Lower Pension Liabilities Signed Into Law](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/0205J456.jpg)
Scherer-Backed Bill to Lower Pension Liabilities Signed Into Law
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, co-sponsored a bill to lower the state’s pension liabilities by expanding the pension buyout option for state employees. The bill was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week.
![Governor to Sign Gordon-Booth’s Co-Responder Legislation in Peoria Tuesday Afternoon](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Gordon-Booth-041919-0411J075.jpg)
Governor to Sign Gordon-Booth’s Co-Responder Legislation in Peoria Tuesday Afternoon
PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, will welcome Gov. J.B. Pritzker to Peoria Tuesday to sign House Bill 4736, which will create the Co-Responder Pilot Program and enable the Peoria Police Department to create a unit focused on behavioral health and coordinating social services with violence survivors – including trauma-informed crisis intervention, assistance with finding safe housing, victim advocacy and counseling.
![Rep. Manley Champions Youth Mental Health at Operation Snowball](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/0530J965.jpg)
Rep. Manley Champions Youth Mental Health at Operation Snowball
JOLIET, Ill. — State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, sponsored Operation Snowball, in partnership with Heart Haven Outreach, NAMI Will-Grundy and Bolingbrook High School. Operation Snowball is an international youth program that educates students about mental health, leadership development and community advocacy.
![State Rep. Stuart Salutes Hero Collinsville Firefighters](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/0219J854.jpg)
State Rep. Stuart Salutes Hero Collinsville Firefighters
COLLINSVILLE, Ill – State Representative Katie Stuart, R-Edwardsville, saluted members of the Collinsville Fire Department who have received awards for bravery and heroism in the line of duty during 2021. The Collinsville Fire Department is receiving the Unit Citation (Group) award, and Firefighter/Paramedic Colin Fuhrmann is receiving the Medal of Valor.
![Rep. Manley Highlights Lightways Grant, Rebranding](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Manley_N.jpg)
Rep. Manley Highlights Lightways Grant, Rebranding
JOLIET, Ill. — State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, recently visited Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care to celebrate the organization’s $250,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
![Hoffman-Supported Efforts to Address Teacher Shortage Issues Signed into Law](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/HoffmanMask.jpg)
Hoffman-Supported Efforts to Address Teacher Shortage Issues Signed into Law
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a package of measures backed by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, Wednesday aimed at addressing teacher shortage issues by lowering licensing fees, removing bureaucratic hurdles for substitute teachers and increasing opportunities for students pursuing a career in education.
![Hoffman Responds to GOP, Highlights Strong Fiscal Responsibility Delivered by House Dems](https://ilhousedems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/0226J693.jpg)
Hoffman Highlights Opening of ISP FOID Kiosk in Metro East
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is encouraging local gun owners to check out the Illinois State Police’s (ISP) newly opened Metro East Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Kiosk designed to help Illinois residents apply for and update their FOID and Concealed Carry License (CCL) with one-on-one assistance.