Bicameral group of lawmakers speak on anti-Semitic hate literature

SPRINGFIELD –Members of the General Assembly stood together in solidarity during a press conference Wednesday to condemn the anti-Semitic literature anonymously distributed recently in the district State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) represents, and to provide members of the community actionable ways they can stand up against antisemitism and hate speech.

“This incident is disturbing and intolerable,” Senator Fine said. “As an individual, and as a Jewish woman, I am disgusted by these displays of hate. However, we will not cower from these threatening messages. Instead, I am asking my colleagues and members of my community to stand up against antisemitism to prevent situations like this, or more dangerous incidents, from ever happening again.”

Over the last few weeks, anti-Semitic flyers in plastic bags were left on driveways in Niles, Glenview, and Park Ridge. The flyers included images of prominent Jewish politicians—including Senator Fine—and businesspeople from Illinois and across the country.

“The meteoric rise of antisemitism both in Illinois and globally is breathtaking,” said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). "The Jewish community and its allies cannot ignore or dismiss the historical parallel of what occurred before World War II and the Holocaust where six million Jews were murdered across Europe and the antisemitism we are experiencing globally, domestically and in Illinois.”

According to the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Semitic incidents increased by 84% in the Midwest between 2016 and 2020.

“As antisemitism rises across the nation, we must continue to call our hate speech and hate crimes when they happen in our own backyard,” said Representative Bob Morgan (D-Highwood). “The governor’s budget addition for $20 million for security funding for religious and cultural institutions is urgently needed and will help our at-risk communities.”

Members of the General Assembly and advocates are further encouraging everyone to help combat hate speech and stop the spread of violent acts by holding people accountable, raising awareness, and supporting people who are targets of hate speech and notifying authorities and the office of the attorney general when hate crimes take place.

“We need to take bigots at their word and ensure our elected officials are safe and to investigate the sources of these serial attacks,” said Alison Pure-Slovin, director of the Midwest region for the Simon Wiesenthal Center. “The Simon Wiesenthal Center calls for a special Illinois taskforce on anti-Semitism and reiterates its call to FBI Director Wray to establish a special FBI National Taskforce on anti-Semitism to help us beat back the scourge of hate.”

Fine on Madigan indictment: This puts a cloud of distrust over state government

SPRINGFIELD – After the indictment of former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement:

"The allegations of misconduct put a cloud of distrust over our state government. Most legislators work for the greater good, and it is unfortunate that others have used their positions in government for their own personal gain. I am hopeful our justice system will hold those accused of wrongdoing accountable so we can begin to restore the public’s trust in government.”

Fine proposes student loan repayment for human services workers

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is one step closer to ensuring human services professionals are provided student loan repayment assistance to encourage more people to enter this essential field through SB 3925.

“Employees in human services are required to have specialized college degrees to best serve vulnerable communities, and while this requirement is necessary, it comes with large financial sacrifices for workers,” Senator Fine said. “It is essential to break down barriers for qualified people to enter this field.”

Employees in the human services industry include welfare caseworkers, youth service providers, social workers, and many other positions specializing in working with marginalized communities. However, the industry is experiencing a shortage in employees due to a number of financial barriers. Many of these professions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. Because salaries in this field tend to be less generous than in the private sector, paying off student loans can be challenging and discourage people from entering the field.

Senator Fine’s legislation encourages students to enter this rewarding and essential workforce by providing student loan repayment plans for employees of community-based human services agencies. The legislation combats the critical worker shortage for the industry and provides assistance to many current human services workers, many of whom are women and people of color.

“Human services workers are heroes providing vital care for some of our most at-risk communities,” Senator Fine said. “Offering student loan repayment assistance is the least we can do to support these brave workers.”

Senate Bill 3925 passed the Senate Thursday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.

Fine’s bill supports employees with mental health or substance use disorders

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage employers to hire people in recovery for mental health or substance abuse disorders, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) introduced a bill offering eligible employers tax credits for hiring and retaining employees with these conditions.

“Far too often, hard-working, experienced employees are turned away because of a mental health or substance use disorder,” Senator Fine said. “This bill will incentivize employers to give qualified candidates in a state of recovery and wellness an opportunity to succeed.”

Stigma around mental health and substance use disorders can be a deterrent for employers to hire candidates who disclose their mental health conditions. This disproportionately impacts people of color and women who suffer mental health disorders. This may prevent people with mental health conditions from holding secure employment, impacting their financial stability and their ability to receive necessary treatment.

This legislation would incentivize employers to hire and retain employees with mental health disorders by providing tax credits of up to $2,000 for each employee hired and retained per year. Senator Fine is hopeful that this initiative will lead to more people in recovery the ability to find stable employment and be able to disclose their disorders to their superiors without judgment.

“People with mental health conditions can lead successful lives,” Senator Fine said. “This bill will ensure that people with substance use or mental health disorders are not excluded from job opportunities because of their health conditions, and are instead supported by their colleagues in the workplace.”

SB 3882 passed the Senate on Thursday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.