SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins held a Senate Revenue Subject Matter Hearing Wednesday to discuss Data Centers Investment Program support for minority-owned data centers.
“By hearing from local businesses we can learn what works and what will support them for a future in Illinois,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We want to spur growth in the data center sector and create new jobs and opportunities for resident.”
Data centers in Illinois who are awarded grants through the Data Centers Investment Program spoke during the subject matter hearing. Data center owners and operators are provided with a tax credit of 20% of wages paid for construction workers for projects located in underserved areas.
SPRINGFIELD – To assist community members and homeowners, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced a measure Wednesday to provide guidance to law enforcement that simplifies the process for removing criminal trespassers from a person's home.
“This will clarify the law and help communities better respond to unlawful trespassing,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Without clarity for law enforcement, oftentimes this issue resorts to eviction. This legislation gives appropriate guidance to ensure they can enforce criminal laws.”
This legislation responds to local squatters who snuck into a home while the owner was away. Law enforcement told the owner that they could not remove the squatters and that the homeowner would need to file an eviction.
Read more: Collins moves legislation to clarify trespassing and enforcement procedures
SPRINGFIELD – To ensure all youth in foster care have a pathway to independence, State Senator Lakesia Collins moved legislation that would establish a transition process to ensure youth aging out of care are provided with opportunities to succeed.
“As someone who has experienced the hardships of growing out of foster care, I know how important it is to create pathways for children to succeed,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “By giving foster children opportunities to learn and navigate adulthood, we are giving them a better future.”
Under Senate Bill 1504, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services would be required to develop a transition plan for youth age 15 and older to help prepare them for their transition out of care. Currently, youth in care are not eligible to receive most services after the age of 21, and the vast majority transition out of DCFS care on their 21st birthdays or earlier.
Read more: Collins pushes for transition plan for youth aging out of foster care
SPRINGFIELD – To enhance protections for Illinois seniors and prevent abuse, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will prohibit retaliatory action against nursing home residents.
“Nursing homes must be accountable to our most vulnerable residents, and with this law we can safeguard Illinois seniors from neglect,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Seniors deserve a standard of living with dignity and respect.”
Under the new law, House Bill 2474, nursing homes are prohibited from retaliating against a resident who is exercising their rights. If a resident faces retaliation, they are able to file a civil suit against the nursing home and potentially recover damages.
Read more: Expanded protections for nursing home residents signed into law, thanks to Collins
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