Latest Updates:
Ford Event Tomorrow at Malcolm X College to Highlight Opioid Overdose Crisis and Upcoming Medicaid Redetermination
CHICAGO – As part of continuing efforts to combat the challenges posed by the opioid epidemic, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is partnering with state and local organizations to build Medicaid redetermination awareness, provide Narcan training, and offer other resources at an event scheduled for Friday, March 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at Malcolm X College’s Auditorium, located at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago.
Avelar Hails Grant Funding to Benefit Uninsured Illinoisans
BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is celebrating a $4.5 million grant to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC). The grant money was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last year.
Nichols, Hernandez, Ford to Hold Press Conference Introducing New Procurement Subcommittee
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, will be joined by House colleagues La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago and Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, at a press conference in the State Capitol Blue Room at 11:30am on Thursday, March 30 to discuss the new Higher Education—Procurement Subcommittee, of which Nichols has been appointed Chairman.
Nichols Helps Pass Bill to Guarantee Full-Day Kindergarten
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – All students would be able to receive quality early childhood education under full-day kindergarten legislation that state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, helped pass this week.
Black Caucus Addresses Shooting at Western Illinois University
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Joint Legislative Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the deadly shooting at Western Illinois University over the weekend.
Wednesday Blue Room Press Conference: Ford to Focus on Efforts to Make School Reading Assignments More Diverse
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tomorrow at a 10 a.m. Blue Room press conference at the Capitol, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will highlight efforts to update school curriculum and require that students in kindergarten through 12th grade be exposed to literature and books of diverse peoples, cultures and backgrounds.
State Rep. Rashid’s Bill to Regulate ChatGPT-type Software Passes House
BERWYN, Ill. – The Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation on March 22nd that will create a task force to study generative artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing software such as ChatGPT and Bard. HB 3563, which was introduced by state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview), passed the House 109-0.
Benton Works to Waive Exam, License Fees for Military Members, Spouses
PLAINFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is helping military families work in Illinois by passing a bipartisan bill to cut professional license fees for service members and their spouses.
Hernandez Advances Measure to Reform State’s Main Child Welfare Agency
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Responding to widespread recognition that Illinois’ child welfare system is under increased strain, state Rep. Norma Hernandez, D-Melrose Park, passed new legislation clarifying the mission of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to place children in stable family arrangements.
Law Proposed By Benton Advocates for Shelter Animals and Veterans
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Returning service members would be united with shelter pets under a new bill recently passed by state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield.
Stava-Murray Passes Bill to Promote Equity in Rent Payments
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tenants would have more payment options under a bill passed last week by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove, prohibiting landlords from requiring electronic payment.
Canty-Led Bill to Expand Access to Full-Day Kindergarten Passes House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Schools across Illinois would offer full-day kindergarten within the next four years thanks to a bill passed by state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights.
Manley-Led Bill to Support Hospice Care Centers Passed by House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hospice facilities across Illinois will be able to expand the amount of beds and care they provide thanks to a bill passed by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet.
Ford to Visit Stateville Correctional Center Sunday, Continue Push to Restore Voting Rights for Incarcerated
CREST HILL, Ill. – As part of continued efforts to reinstate incarcerated individuals’ right to vote, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will join advocates this Sunday, March 26 at 10 a.m. for a press conference and tour at the Stateville Correctional Center, located at 16830-IL 53 in Crest Hill.
Stuart Passes Bill Expanding Ability of Hygienists to Provide Dental Care to Underserved Illinoisans
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, passed a bill Wednesday that would allow qualified dental hygienists to provide dental care to more uninsured or lower- income Illinoisans.
LaPointe Joins Supportive Housing Providers Association in Fight to End Homelessness
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With pandemic-era executive orders expiring, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, is teaming up with the Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA) to pass legislation that will enshrine the state’s Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, as well as create an Office to Prevent and End Homelessness.
Ford to Host Town Hall Monday, Join Experts to Discuss Future of Psychedelic Therapy in Illinois
CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will lead a town hall panel with experts to discuss the future of psychedelic therapy and his efforts to decriminalize the possession of psilocybin this Monday, March 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at the campus of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
Hernandez Bill Promoting Better Enforcement of Water Sanitation Regulations Passes House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Norma Hernandez, D-Melrose Park, is prioritizing green policy and efficient government by passing legislation to allow emailed cease-and-desist notices to polluters.