State Senator Patricia Van Pelt’s first substantive piece of legislation passed through the Senate today with bipartisan support. This legislation, SB 1659, would expand the maximum tax credit for businesses who hire qualified ex-offenders from $600 to $1500.

“This legislation will offer an increased incentive for businesses to assist in the integration of ex-offenders into the community,” said Sen. Van Pelt. “This is a common sense policy that helps the state reach its goals of rebuilding communities, strengthening families and ensuring opportunities for all residents of Illinois.”

Read more ...

As your new State Senator, I want to get a better understanding of the issues that are important to residents of the 5th Legislative District. Your opinions are very valuable to me, and will be taken into consideration as issues are discussed in Springfield. Please take a moment to answer a few questions by clicking here.

State Senator Patricia Van Pelt’s first piece of legislation in the Illinois Senate, SB 1219, passed overwhelmingly today. Sen. Van Pelt worked with Secretary of State Jesse White on the measure to streamline the process for notary registration.

Van Pelt’s plan will allow the secretary of state to implement an electronic application process and allow electronic signatures on notary applications. Electronic applications will reduce the amount of staff time spent inputting and verifying application data, maximizing staff resources.

“I am happy that my first bill passed with bipartisan support,” Senator Van Pelt said. “This is a common sense bill that will save a lot of time for secretary of state employees and modernize the notary application process.”

SB 1219 now moves to the House for further consideration.

State Senator Patricia Van Pelt issued the following statement on the Illinois Senate’s 40-19 vote to expand Medicaid coverage to more than 300,000 people:

“In the 5th District, there are more than 18,000 people newly eligible for health insurance thanks to this expansion. This is a large population that has been left out of the health care system, and I am proud that we’ve been able to help the Illinois citizens who are most in need.”

Read more ...