Sen. Laura Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill appoints Howard A. Rosenblum as a member of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, effective December 1, 2024. The appointment is made by Governor JB Pritzker and requires Senate consent, with Rosenblum serving until January 16, 2027. If confirmed, he will receive an annual salary of $141,002 and represent the Springfield area on the commission. This action replaces the previous member, Barbara Barreno-Paschall, and follows the standard legislative process for executive appointments.

Maddy summaryThis bill appoints Alana Thompson-Byrd as a member of the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority, an agency that supports economic growth and development in southwestern Illinois. The appointment is effective from November 15, 2024, until January 17, 2028, and provides the nominee with reimbursement for official expenses rather than a salary. The legislation requires the Senate to give its consent to the Governor's nomination before the appointment becomes official.

Maddy summaryThis bill appoints Jha'Sharia L. Farmer as a member of the Southwest Regional Port District Board, effective from November 15, 2024, to June 30, 2027. The nominee, who resides in East St. Louis, will serve in this role without a salary but may receive reimbursement for official expenses. The appointment requires the consent of the Senate and was submitted by Governor JB Pritzker.

Maddy summaryThis bill appoints Mary P. Kennelly as a member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, an agency that oversees the rights and welfare of individuals who cannot make their own decisions. The appointment is effective from November 15, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and provides the nominee with reimbursement for expenses rather than a salary. As a member, Kennelly will serve alongside other commissioners to ensure vulnerable adults receive appropriate support and protection. The nomination was submitted by Governor JB Pritzker and requires Senate consent to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill appoints Lisa M. Dziekan as a member of the Illinois Community College Board, serving from November 15, 2024, to June 30, 2027. The legislation authorizes her to represent the state on the board, which oversees community colleges in Illinois, without receiving a salary but potentially incurring travel expenses. The appointment was made by Governor JB Pritzker with the consent of the Senate and follows the previous tenure of Nicholas Kachiroubas.

Creates the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment (SAFER) Communities and Small Business Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and administer a SAFER Communities Wage Subsidy Pilot Program. Provides that the wage subsidy shall apply to no more than 6,000 participants. Requires the Department to maintain a database of all participants for the duration of the incentive period. Provides that individuals seeking to participate in the pilot program shall register with the Department on or after January 1, 2024. Requires the Department to verify individuals' eligibility to participate in the pilot program by checking their employment and felony conviction history. Contains provisions concerning certificates of eligibility for wage subsidies under the pilot program; the monetary amount of monthly wage subsidy payments awarded under the pilot program; certain conditions program participants must satisfy to receive monthly wage subsidy payments; the maximum amount of wage subsidies allowed under the pilot program; promotion efforts for the pilot program conducted by the Department of Corrections; and other matters. Requires the Department to establish a Returning Citizen and Small Business Grant Program. Sets forth requirements a small business must meet to be eligible for a grant under the program. Provides that an eligible small business shall be awarded grants in the amount of $2,500 per new qualifying returning citizen hired. Limits the total annual amount in grants an eligible small business may receive under the grant program. Contains provisions concerning data collection and reporting requirements for the Secretary of Human Services. Provides that implementation of the Act is subject to appropriation. Permits the Department of Human Services to use State or federal funding to administer the SAFER Communities Wage Subsidy Pilot Program and the Returning Citizen and Small Business Grant Program. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Human Services and the Department of Corrections. Provides that the Act is repealed on December 31, 2029. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life of John M. Burke, a longtime resident of Des Plaines who passed away in July 2024. The document formally records his contributions to his community, including his work as a former Army intelligence agent, his leadership roles in local organizations, and his dedication to his family and church. It concludes by expressing the Senate's condolences to his surviving wife, daughters, and other relatives, and directs that a copy of the resolution be given to the family as a gesture of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Maxine May Hubbard, a retired educator and community leader from Des Plaines who passed away on June 1, 2024. The bill formally records the Illinois Senate's condolences to her family and friends while acknowledging her career as a Spanish teacher and administrator in District 62. It also notes her continued service in various local organizations and her role as a mother, grandmother, and sister. Upon adoption, the Senate will present a copy of this resolution to Hubbard's family as a gesture of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Ronald Stanley "Ron" Goczkowski, a funeral director from Des Plaines who passed away in July 2024. The bill formally records the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family and friends, noting his roles as a Little League coach, club member, and devoted husband and father. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his family as an expression of sympathy. This measure is a commemorative gesture rather than a policy change, as it does not alter laws or create new programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Loretta Marie Tvrdy, a resident of Elk Grove Village who passed away in July 2024. The bill formally records her personal history, including her career in education, her service with the League of Women Voters, and her family life as a mother of six. It concludes by expressing the Senate's condolences to her surviving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and directs that a copy of the resolution be given to her family.