A Note from Marti & Information from the State: June

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The spring legislative session wrapped up on May 31, and I’m proud to have supported a responsible and resident-focused budget with concerted investment in what matters most: our schools, public safety, and hardworking families.

The approved budget respects taxpayers, expands access to healthcare, boosts classroom funding, and sets aside reserves to prepare for economic uncertainty coming out of Washington. It also cuts nearly $400 million in government costs so your dollars go further.

May in Springfield also revolved around advancing legislation to improve our safety and quality of life. I was pleased to sponsor more than 150 bills, and I was the chief House sponsor of numerous bills, including SB1274, which expands the state’s sexual assault services voucher program to cover transportation following treatment. This bill was unanimously approved, requires no additional funding, and further supports victims of sexual assault. I was also the chief House sponsor of SB2155, which will provide physicians with information on fertility testing options to distribute to their patients. This bill also received broad bipartisan support.

We will continue to focus on your concerns about lowering the cost of living and expect to convene later this year to consider legislation related to public transit and energy. For now, we’re looking forward to connecting with you in the district. Along with our interns, we’ll be knocking on doors and attending community events. We want to hear from you!

Kind regards,

Marti

From the State

The Illinois No-Cosigner Loan was launched in May. This new private student loan option under the Student Empowerment Fund is designed to help support Illinois students who face barriers accessing traditional college financing. The Illinois No-Cosigner Loan joins two existing programs under the Student Empowerment Fund, both for students with strong credit history or a cosigner. Highlights include:

• Eligibility: Open to Illinois students attending an Illinois-based public or not-for-profit college or university.

• Purpose: Loans are available to students and their families after grants, scholarships, and traditional financial aid are exhausted.

• Rates: Three different loan options are available with competitive interest rates.

Students and families can learn more about the loan options by visiting the Student Empowerment Fund website.