Illinois lawmakers have introduced bills to prohibit school officials from issuing fines or fees to students as punishment, as an investigation revealed disproportionate ticketing of Black students. Rep. La Shawn Ford, sponsor of the bill in the House, stated that fines and fees do not address the underlying issues leading to students being ticketed, emphasizing the importance of using school-based discipline and restorative justice programs instead. Senate Bill 212 aimed to provide a 30-minute paid break for working mothers to pump breastmilk, and a bill sponsored by Sen. Doris Turner would cover hypoallergenic baby formula under the state’s Medicaid program.
House Republicans called for a repeal of the TRUST Act, which prevents local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws, leading Governor JB Pritzker to defend the act’s importance in protecting vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, a study released by the Illinois Retail Merchants Association showed that the retail industry makes up over 10% of the state’s GDP and is crucial for the state’s economy, generating significant income and sales tax revenue. With 1.3 million people working in retail, it is Illinois’ largest private sector employer.
The study also highlighted concerns about the potential impact of President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on imported goods, introducing uncertainty and the possibility of higher prices for consumers. Both State officials and industry experts expressed concerns about the implications of such tariffs, emphasizing the importance of protecting Illinois businesses and jobs.
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