Archive for August, 2009


Read about some of the bills I passed last session

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
August 19, 2009
 
Dear Neighbor,
 

This update is the first of three that provides an overview of the legislation I passed this session.  These bills – along with addressing our budget and ethics crises – were my priority this Session.  Most of these priorities came directly from 7th District concerns and/or directly from constituents.  My most rewarding challenge as your State Senator remains harnessing the diverse and dynamic perspectives this District offers the public policy debate in Illinois.
 
I led the effort for 28 bills that passed both Chambers.  This email details the human rights, animal rights, and public safety issues I emphasized this Session.  A bill that resulted from a constituent problem is then highlighted below.
 
  • Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (SB 1770).  Currently employers with 50 or more employees must allow victims of domestic violence to take unpaid leaves of absence.  This bill extends the right to employees in firms with 15 or more employees.
  • Humane euthanasia of animals (SB 38).  Prohibits euthanasia of dogs and cats by carbon monoxide unless performed by a veterinarian meeting certain circumstances (thus banning large gas chambers from being used).
  • Firearm Owner ID Card Revocation (HB 3991).  This bill amends Domestic Violence laws to provide that a court can require turning over a gun for safekeeping in an order of protection if there is danger of illegal use of a gun.  It also requires the State Police to deny a FOID card application if a person is subject to an order of protection.
  • School Bullying (HB2547).  Amends the Human Rights Act to provide jurisdiction to the Human Rights Department to investigate allegations of harassment and bullying that occurs in schools.
  • Special Education Expert Witness (HB628). Special education students have educational plans developed with input from the school and parents.  This bill ensures that an independent evaluator retained by a parent can have appropriate access to school facilities to evaluate the child’s educational circumstance so that the parent can have meaningful input into the educational plan (currently some schools prevent access to the school.
  • ID Card for Homeless Persons (HB 897).  Provides that homeless persons can obtain identification cards at no fee.
  • Wards of State Sterilization (HB 2290).  Brings Illinois’ laws into compliance with federal laws to provide appropriate protections for wards of the state who may be sterilized. 
  • Preventing Teen Dating Violence (HB 973).  Allows instruction on teen dating violence to be included in grades 8 through 12.
  • Refugee/Asylee Benefits (HB399).  Ensures refugees/asylees who have been victims of torture continue to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
  • Temporary labor Agency Location (HB866).  Prevents temporary labor agencies from being located with 1,000 feet of a school or boys and girls club.

My next two email updates will highlight my efforts in environmental, education, health care and small business legislation.  Your forthright reactions and reflections on my work allow me to refine my priorities and learn more about how to best represent you.  As always, please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.  You can contact me at heather@heathersteans.com or 773-769-1717.
 
Best,
Heather Steans

Posted in Education, Human Rights, Legislation


Low Profit Limited Liability Company Legislation Profiled in the Chicago Tribune

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Click here to read an article in the Chicago Tribune about low-profit limited liability companies.

New corporate structure could give social entrepreneurs new funding stream

By Ann Meyer
August 10, 2009

After nearly four decades of running a staffing agency on a shoestring budget, John Plunkett hopes the next business he starts will be a moneymaker thanks to a new law that recognizes for-profit businesses with a strong social bent.

The law, signed by Gov. Pat Quinn last week, allows the incorporation of low-profit, limited-liability companies, or L3Cs, a new hybrid structure for for-profit ventures that have a primary goal of achieving a socially beneficial purpose…

The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, aims to make it easier for social enterprises to attract capital, said Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), who sponsored the bill.

“Foundations have a growing interest to not only make grants that achieve a social purpose but also use investments to do that,” Steans said.

Click here to read the full article.

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Posted in Legislation