  Special Edition: Women’s History Month Key Facts Every Illinoisan Should Know  Click Image Below to Print  Click the image below to learn more about how to join the Ride across Chicago.
 Civics QuizWhat does the term impeachment mean? .Option A: The removal of a president from officeOption B: The formal process of charging a public official with misconductOption C: The election of a new government officialOption D: The act of pardoning a convicted individualYesterday’s Civics Quiz ResultsWhat does the term Habeas Corpus mean?  Congratulations! If you’ve selected Option D, you’ve picked correctly.Click the image below to print a list of Illinois’ laws effective as ofJanuary 1, 2024, courtesy of the Illinois Senate Democrats2024 New Law Spotlight Public Act 103-0231, formerly known as SB1814.
Sponsors: Sen. Linda Holmes and Rep. Dagmara Avelar. Click Image Below to Read Public Act 103-0231, formerly known as SB1814.Poll Question Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Requires the Governor to establish an Assisted Living and Shared Housing Advisory Board with specified voting and nonvoting members. Provides that the Advisory Board shall be provided copies of any additions or changes to the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Code for review and comment prior to notice being given to the public. Contains other provisions.
Agree: Establishing an Assisted Living and Shared Housing Advisory Board allows for comprehensive review and input on changes to the establishment code, potentially leading to better regulations and improved quality of care for residents.Disagree: Concerns arise over the additional bureaucracy and potential delays in regulatory changes due to the requirement for Advisory Board review, which could hinder timely updates and responsiveness to evolving needs in assisted living and shared housing facilities.Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly..Option 1: Advisory Board ensures thorough review for better regulations.Option 2: Concerns over delays and bureaucracy in updates.2024 New Law Spotlight Public Act 103-0232,formerly known as SB1817, sponsored by Sen. Ann Gillespie and Rep. Jennifer Gong- Gershowitz. Click Image Below to Read Public Act 103-0232 formerly known as SB1817.Illinois Senate DemocratsJuly 6, 2023Gillespie plan to strengthen housing rights forimmigrants now law SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie led a new law to prohibit the consideration of immigration status during real estate transactions.
“This law sets clear boundaries, protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring that financial institutions and service providers cannot engage in discriminatory practices,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Putting these protections in place will promote fairness to ensure people are not unjustly denied housing.”
Click Here to Read More Poll Question The amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act expands protections against discrimination based on immigration status in real estate transactions. It prohibits various discriminatory actions, such as refusing to engage in transactions, altering terms, or distributing materials based on immigration status. However, it allows considerations of immigration status if requiredby state or federal law.
Agree: The amendment strengthens civil rights protections by prohibiting discrimination based on immigration status in real estate transactions, promoting fairness and inclusivity.Disagree: Concerns may arise over the practical implementation of the amendment, as it could potentially lead to legal ambiguities and challenges in determining when considerations of immigration status are required by state or federal law.Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly..Option 1: Bars immigration status discrimination in real estate, promoting fairness.Option 2: Concerns over implementation due to legal ambiguities. 2024 New Law Spotlight Public Act 103-0464, formerly known as SB1824.
Sponsors: Sen. Karina Villa andRep. Janet Yang Rohr. Click Image Below to Read Public Act 103-0464, formerly known as SB1824.Poll Question The amendment to the General Provisions and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Articles of the Illinois Pension Code mandates training for authorized agents appointed after the effective date. This training, provided by the Fund online quarterly at no cost, ensures agents understand their duties. It also modifies contribution calculations and trustee eligibility criteria.
Agree: Requiring training for authorized agents enhances accountability and ensures they understand their responsibilities, potentially improving the management of retirement funds.Disagree: Concerns may arise over the effectiveness of online training in adequately preparing authorized agents for their duties, as it may lack the depth and interaction of in-person training sessions.Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly..Option 1: Training for agents boosts accountability and improves fund management.Option 2: Online training may not adequately prepare agents, raising concerns.Click Image Below to View Rep. Ford’s Hot Job of the Day!Yesterday’s Poll Results The amendment to the Medical Practice Act of 1987 changes the requirement for written collaborative agreements between physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Instead of being limited to services within the same area of practice or specialty as the collaborating physician, the agreement now covers services for which the physician can provide adequate collaboration.
Agree: This amendment allows for more flexibility in collaborative agreements, potentially increasing access to healthcare services, especially in underserved areas where physicians may have varying specialties.Disagree: Removing the requirement for specialty alignment in collaborative agreements could potentially compromise patient safety and quality of care, as APRNs may provide services outside of their area of expertise without adequate supervision. The amendment to the School Code establishes the Rural Education Advisory Council, aimed at facilitating discussions on the needs, challenges, and opportunities of rural school districts. It mandates the council to provide policy recommendations to the State, outlining its functions, membership, and logistical details such as expenses, meetings, and administrative support.
Agree: The creation of the Rural Education Advisory Council provides a platform for addressing the unique issues faced by rural school districts, fostering collaboration and generating policy recommendations to better support these communities.Disagree: While the intention behind establishing the Rural Education Advisory Council is commendable, there may be concerns about the effectiveness of yet another advisory body in addressing the complex and longstanding issues faced by rural school districts.
  The amendment to the Department of Human Services Act mandates the establishment of a voluntary home visiting program targeting pregnant persons and families with young children up to elementary school enrollment. It prioritizes populations in need, aligns with federal requirements, and aims to improve maternal and newborn health, prevent child abuse, promote child development, and connect families with community resources.
Agree: Supporting family well-being, the amendment introduces a voluntary home visiting program for pregnant persons and families.Disagree: Concerns arise over mandated home visiting program implementation with this amendment.
 Click Image Below To Learn About Healthcare CoverageClick Image Below to Learn More About Homeowners AssistanceOn This Day in HistoryMarch 29, 1973U.S. Withdraws from Vietnam HistoryAt 4 a.m. on March 28, 1979, one of the worst accidents in the history of the U.S. nuclear power industry begins when a pressure valve in the Unit-2 reactor at Three Mile Island fails to close. Cooling water, contaminated with radiation, drained from the open valve into adjoining buildings, and the core began to dangerously overheat.
The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant was built in 1974 on a sandbar on Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River, just 10 miles downstream from the state capitol in Harrisburg. In 1978, a second state-of-the-art reactor began operating on Three Mile Island, which was lauded for generating affordable and reliable energy in a time of energy crises.
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VIETNAM WAR1973LAST U.S. TROOPS DEPART SOUTH VIETNAM1971CALLEY FOUND GUILTY OF MY LAI MURDERS
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Click Here to PrintIt’s National Mom and Pop Business Day National Today ReportsOur economy couldn’t run without small mom and pop businesses. They create economic growth and provide almost 70% of all new jobs in the country.That’s why every year on March 29 we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in this country by celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! The holiday was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the successful hat shop they opened in 1939 and grew into a 10,000 square foot, $2 million dollar clothing shop. It is a special day to appreciate the long hours, hard work and dedication it takes to run a small business. So on March 29, head to your favorite small business to say thank you!
Click Here to Read MoreDiscover the JoyBenefits of Working for a Mom and Pop Business Job Fit: Mom & Pop Shop vs. The Big CorporationSmall Business Employee Benefits (2024 Guide)Mom and Pop: Overview, Characteristics and Opportunities US Bureau of Labor Statistics Click Video Below to Learn MoreSelf-Advocacy Skills at Work: 3 Ways to Be an AdvocateFor YourselfL.K. Ford Website Let’s Get Connected! Join Our Mailing List Find Your Elected OfficialHelp is available; speak with someone today:Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988Quote of the Day “We will all, at some point, encounter hurdles to gaining access and entry, moving up and conquering self-doubt; but on the other side is the capacity to own opportunity and tell ourown story.”
– Stacey Abrams, Former Georgia State RepresentativeEmployersLearn How to Start a Mom and Pop Business 5 Important Steps to Set Up Mom-and-Pop ShopIs it a Good Idea to Open a Mom and Pop Shop Now?5 Marketing Tips for Mom and Pop ShopsDAILY JOB LEADS Click Below to View Job Highlights fromthe WeekGraham Correctional Center Corrections Nurse TraineeDate: Mar 15, 2024Location: Hillsboro, IL, US, 62049Job Requisition ID: 35920 Agency : Department of Corrections – Graham Correctional CenterClosing Date/Time: 03/29/2024 Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $5,786/month; CBA Applies;Full Range: $5,786 – $7,915/month. Job Type: Salaried County: Montgomery Number of Vacancies: 7 Click Here to Apply East Moline Programs Correctional Counselor IIIDate: Mar 15, 2024Location: East Moline, IL, US, 61244Job Requisition ID: 35806 Agency : Department of Corrections – East Moline Correctional CenterClosing Date/Time: 03/29/2024 Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $5,840/month; CBA Applies;Full Range: $5,840 – $8,720/month Job Type: Salaried County: Rock Island Number of Vacancies: 1 Click Here to Apply
Medical Compliance AdministratorDate: Mar 15, 2024Location: Springfield, IL, US, 62702Job Requisition ID: 35887Agency: Department of Corrections – Medical ComplianceAdministrator (Registered Nurse)Closing Date/Time: 03/29/2024 Salary: Dependent upon qualifications Job Type: Salaried County: Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 1 Click Here to Apply Children and Family Services InternDate: Mar 14, 2024Location: Centralia, IL, US, 62801Job Requisition ID: 35856Agency : Department of Children and Family Services Closing Date/Time: 04/01/2024 Salary: $4,110 – $5,761 Monthly (Anticipated StartingSalary: $4,110 – Step 1C) Job Type: Salaried County: Clinton Number of Vacancies: 25 Click Here to Apply
Today’s Job HighlightsClick Here to View Job Highlights FromPrevious DaysJob Highlights 3/25/2024Job Highlights 3/25/2024Job Highlights 3/26/2024Job Highlights 3/27/2024Job Highlights 3/28/2024Click Image Below to View Jobs Based on IndustryClick Image Below to ViewFederal, State and City Jobs Click Here For Unemployment InsuranceEighth District CommunityExplore Local Small Businesses Through the Eighth District Chamber of Commerce Despite losing 9.1 million jobs in the first two quarters of 2020, small businesses job growth rebounded swiftly following the COVID-19 recession. In the four quarters following, small businesses have gained 5.5 million jobs, making up for 60 percent of the decline during the early pandemic.
Small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. For more, read Advocacy’s latest fact sheet, “Small Business Job Creation”.
Click Image to Connect with a local Chamber of Commerce and Explore Job Postings in the Eighth Legislative DistrictFord’s Upcoming Events and Community EventsGroup AClick Here to View and Print Community Event FliersGroup BClick Here to View and Print Community Event Fliers Free Legal Services Request a Meeting Special Edition: Women’s History Month  Special Edition: American History Month Special Edition: Dark History of Medical Experimentation on African-Americans Special Edition: Valentine’s Day NIU Shooting Special Edition: Arthur Ashe for Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day  Special Edition: Cervical Cancer Awareness Day Special Edition MLK  Special Edition December Holidays Around the World Special Edition World AIDS Newsletter Special Edition School Newsletter Special Edition in Honor of 60 Year Anniversary of March on Washington Special Edition on Overdose Awareness Day Special Edition: Prostate Cancer Awareness MonthSpecial Edition: Breast Cancer Awareness MonthSpecial Edition: Domestic Violence Awareness MonthStay connected with Rep. Ford to stay up-to-date with the latest news and upcoming events! |
Every year, an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans. But you can reduce plastic use and mitigate its harmful effects in the following ways. Here are some tips to reduce your environmental footprint:1. Opt for reusable shopping bags and water bottles.2. Choose products with minimal, eco-friendly packaging.3. Say no to plastic straws and utensils (bonus points if bring your own).4. Bring your own containers for takeout and leftovers.5. Shop in bulk and/or at the farmers’ market to reduce packaging waste.
ZeldaSpeaks Mindfulness Blog 