Recently, Illinois has been featured in films and television programs such as “The Dark Knight,” “Barbershop,” and “Chicago Fire.” State Senator Patricia Van Pelt’s (D-Chicago 5th) plan to expand the state’s film tax credit to keep Illinois on film passed the Senate today with bipartisan support.

Last week, the senator was joined in Executive Committee by actor Billy Zane and producer Bob Teitel. Zane, a Chicago native known for his roles in “Titanic” and “The Phantom,” and Teitel, producer of “Barbershop,” were in the Capitol to support Senate Bill 1816.

“This bill is about Illinois jobs and competitiveness. This bill is about labor,” Zane said. “It benefits film producers and actors, but it also creates many blue-collar jobs. This will stop the drain of talent from Illinois to the coasts, keeping actors in Illinois to raise their families.”

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Senator Patricia Van Pelt’s plan to help victims and witnesses of gang crime passed through the Senate on Thursday.

The legislation, House Bill 1139, establishes the Gang Crime Witness Protection Program Fund, which will assist victims and witnesses who are actively aiding in the prosecution of gang members. Funds may be used to help pay temporary living costs, moving expenses, rent and other expenses of relocation. 

“This legislation will empower people who might be afraid to testify against gang members,” said Van Pelt. “This fund will encourage witnesses to come forward and stop the gang crime that is rampant in our community.”

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Films and television programs filmed in Illinois such as “The Dark Knight,” “Barbershop” and “Chicago Fire” have put the state on the world’s stage. State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago 5th) aims to keep Illinois in the spotlight with a plan to expand the state’s film production tax credit.

The senator was joined in Executive Committee today by actor Billy Zane and producer Bob Teitel. Zane, known for his roles in “Titanic” and “The Phantom,” and Teitel, producer of “Barbershop,” were in the Capitol to support Senate Bill 1816. Both Illinois natives testified in committee today.

“I have been fortunate to shoot several films in Illinois, and I want to continue to do more films here,” Teitel said. “This bill will help make that possible.”

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Senator Patricia Van Pelt’s legislation allowing Cook County communities to participate in the Redeploy Illinois program passed through the Senate today.

Redeploy Illinois is designed to provide services to youth who are at high risk of being imprisoned. To use this program, a county enters into an agreement with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to reduce juvenile incarceration by 25 percent. The county then receives funds to use for community based services and treatments. Services include substance abuse and mental health treatment, therapy, education and employment assistance.

Currently the program is only available on a countywide scale. House Bill 2401 allows smaller geographic areas to participate without requiring the whole of Cook County to meet the 25 percent reduction goal. This opens the program to specific police districts, municipal districts and other well-defined geographic areas. 

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