Senator Fine supports assault weapons ban

SPRINGFIELD – In the 6 months since the tragic mass shooting at the Highland Park community 4^th of July parade, State Senator Laura Fine has been fighting for a statewide assault weapons ban; and she is proud to report that an assault weapons ban passed the Senate on January 9, 2023.

“As a member of the community neighboring Highland Park, I know firsthand how devastating the shooting was for our neighbors,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We cannot stand idle as assault weapons continue to be used for violence.”

If signed by the governor, House Bill 5471 would ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines from being manufactured or sold in Illinois.

Studies show that approximately one-third of public mass shooting events include the use of an assault weapon, and nearly 40% involve a high-capacity magazine. When an assault weapon and/or a high-capacity magazine is used in a public mass shooting, nearly 14 times as many people are injured, and twice as many people are killed. Not only are there more injuries when assault weapons are used, but the types of injuries are far worse.

The 4th of July shooting punctuated a six-week period in which mass shooters using semi-automatic weapons killed more than 40 people in Buffalo, New York; Uvalde, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Highland Park combined. 

“The tragedy of the Highland Park shooting will always be with me,” Fine said. “It is long past time that we act and ban assault weapons so no other communities will have to experience this trauma.”

House Bill 5471 passed the Senate on January 9, 2023. It now goes to the House for further consideration. 

Senator Fine mourns colleague Senator Bennett

Following the sudden death of State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), Senator Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement:

"I’m incredibly saddened to hear about the sudden passing of my colleague, Sen. Scott Bennett. He was a remarkable public servant and his constituents could not have asked for a more dedicated Senator. My heart goes out to his family who are dealing with the loss of a devoted husband and father. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing."

Fine, Morrison to host tax workshop in Glenview

GLENVIEW – Residents will be able to learn more about the property tax appeal process and how to lower their property tax bill at an upcoming workshop co-hosted by State Senators Laura Fine and Julie Morrison.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi will lead the workshop, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Glenview Public Library, located at 1930 Glenview Rd. The workshop will take place in the Community Room East.

"As the property tax appeals process is complex, I appreciate Commissioner Cabonargi’s office for hosting this workshop," Fine said "I am hopeful this workshop will provide residents with useful insight to help them navigate the appeals process."  

Residents are asked to bring their second installment property tax bill to the workshop, and to have their property index number on hand for reference.

“High property taxes are the number one issue I hear about from residents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We’re working on long-term property tax reforms in Springfield, but to provide some relief in the meantime, residents should consider appealing their property tax assessment to potentially lessen their tax burden.”

For more information about filing an appeal, including online appeal options and filing deadlines, residents can visit CookCountyBoardOfReview.com/Cabonargi.

Fine highlights essential resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

GLENVIEW – During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, State Senator Laura Fine is reminding residents of available resources for survivors of domestic violence while working to educate more people on what constitutes domestic violence and abuse.

“Domestic violence has long-lasting impacts on the mental and physical health of survivors,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “We need to support survivors in their journey of recovery and educate about  what healthy relationships look like to encourage people to model these standards—and be able to recognize when a relationship is turning dangerous.”

Since 1989, October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and has become a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and victims. Although progress has been made to reduce domestic violence, the statistics are still staggering, with 1 and 3 women and 1 in 7 men becoming victims of domestic violence throughout their lives.

“It is heartbreaking that domestic violence is still common in our society,” Fine said. “Supporting survivors is essential for their recovery, but we must also continue working to ensure no one else becomes a victim. This requires increasing the ways we educate young people about healthy relationships—as well as what to do if people notice their friends or loved ones exhibiting concerning behavior—and how to intercept.”

To learn more about the warning signs of domestic abuse, what healthy relationships look like, and how to support survivors of domestic violence, see the links below:

• Warning signs of domestic abuse
• Healthy vs. unhealthy relationships
• How to support survivors

Sen. Fine will be participating in a panel on Domestic Violence Awareness with Sen. Villivalam on Saturday, October 21st, from 12-1:30pm at the Lincolnwood Library.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text “START” to 88788. Illinois residents may also call 877-863-6338 to reach the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline.