Working for Illinois Caucus

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – On Thursday, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day bill into law, marking the day commemorating the end of slavery in the Unites States a federal holiday.

This came just one day after Gov. Pritzker signed state legislation recognizing the holiday in Illinois. It is celebrated annually to mark the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when the last slaves were freed in Galveston, Texas. This was nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

State representative of the 67th district, Maurice West, talked about the new federal holiday with WIFR.

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SB 154, 1672 and 1673 — sponsored by Stuart and Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes and D-Aurora, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, were spearheaded by Best Friends Animal Society, with the support of other organizations.

SB 154 would require housing providers who receive funds from the Affordable Housing Act Trust Fund as of Jan. 1, 2022, to allow tenants in 500-square-feet or larger units to have at least two cats or one dog that weighs less than 50 pounds. Providers would not be allowed to prohibit dogs because of their breed or weight.

SB 1672 would require insurance companies to report data on all dog-related claims to help end breed discrimination.

SB 1673 changes the words “spay” and “neuter” to “sterilize” to allow shelter veterinarians to use nonsurgical sterilization for shelter dogs and cats, in addition to spaying or neutering.

Additionally, HB 1711 would prohibit Illinois pet stores from selling cats and dogs, but would allow stores to host adoption events with shelters and rescue groups. This legislation would make Illinois the fifth state to stop pet stores from selling dogs and cats.

MACHESNEY PARK — Former state Rep. John Cabello is planning to run for election of the newly redrawn 89th District.

After serving four terms, the Machesney Park Republican and Rockford police detective was defeated by 239 votes in the November election by Democrat David Vella for the Illinois 68th House District. 

"The district was literally drawn and voted upon in the Illinois legislature within two weeks," Cabello said in a news release. "The freshly drawn 89th District contains my home and much of the former 68th District that I represented for nearly a decade."

Cabello said that if re-elected he would oppose Democratic policies he says weaken law enforcement, raise taxes and pursue a "social issue agenda that alienates many Illinois citizens."

More:After recount, Cabello will not pursue election challenge

Although he has not formally announced his candidacy, Vella said that he plans to seek re-election in the revamped 68th District which includes most of Rockford’s east side, a portion of Cherry Valley and stretches east to include Belvidere.

Vella campaigned on a platform that included calls for fiscal responsibility, new approaches to fighting domestic violence, problem-solving courts and support for infrastructure investment.

More:Illinois Democrats say court remap reflects population shifts, GOP calls it power grab

Jeff Kolkey: jkolkey@rrstar.com; @jeffkolkey

State representatives passed a bill Tuesday that could clear the way for Buffalo Grove’s medical cannabis dispensary to begin selling recreational marijuana.

Proposed by Rep. Daniel Didech, a Democrat from Buffalo Grove, the measure would allow the Sunnyside dispensary to sell pot for recreational use out of its new location at 830 Milwaukee Ave.

Sunnyside had a recreational license for its previous location, 1623 Barclay Blvd., but its move required it go to the end of the line and reapply for state approval, according to the interpretation of existing state law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office.

Didech introduced a bill earlier this year that would have allowed Sunnyside to begin recreational sales immediately at the new address. A compromise version was incorporated into another bill approved Tuesday by the House in a 70-33 vote.

Under the terms of the compromise, if approved by the state Senate and signed by Pritzker, Sunnyside can apply to sell recreational cannabis in 90 days. The application would automatically be approved 30 days later, as long as the business complied with all other state requirements.

"The tax revenue generated by the Buffalo Grove dispensary will help fund much needed infrastructure improvements, support our police and fire services, and avert unnecessary property tax increases," Didech said in a news release. "I am grateful that Buffalo Grove village officials are prioritizing the economic development of our community, and I will keep fighting to ensure the state of Illinois is supportive of their efforts."

State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, a Democrat from Northbrook, added, "We have made it very clear to the governor and his staff for nearly a year and a half that this is one of our top priorities."

“The Kane County Senior Council has provided so much for our seniors during this difficult time,” Kifowit said. “The pandemic has been difficult for our seniors and being able to partner with them to distribute meals to Kane County seniors is one small way I am honored to help.”

Kane County residents age 60 or older are eligible to receive five frozen meals. Participants are required to register in advance and can do so by calling or emailing their representative’s office. Registration for the event closes the preceding Friday, at noon.

“The pandemic has been devastating for so many senior residents and their families and programs like Meals on Wheels are integral in providing relief and assistance to communities,” Hernandez said. “I am very grateful to be working with the Kane Senior Council once again in providing meals to our local seniors and will continue working to ensure that important senior assistance programs like this one stay funded in Illinois.”

Safety precautions will be in place, and attendees will be asked to remain in their cars. For more information, please contact Representative Kifowit, Hernandez, or Wheeler’s office(s), or visit any of their websites.

“We are working together to help provide meal assistance for seniors in Kane County, recognizing the hardship the pandemic has caused many families in our community over the past year, particularly our older neighbors and loved ones on fixed incomes,” said Wheeler. “ I encourage everyone who is eligible to consider registering today if our Senior Meal Distribution Drive-Thru could help make your life a little easier during the next few months.”