Cervantes supporting communities impacted by flood and storm damage

• Chicago
• Severe Weather
• Floods
• Disaster Proclamation

CHICAGO – In response to severe weather in Illinois during the last few weeks, State Senator Javier Cervantes announced that the governor signed a new disaster proclamation that will speed up resources and support to the communities impacted by flooding and storm damage.

“Residents across the state and in my district have been heavily impacted by the storm damage over the last few weeks,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We need to get resources on the ground for Illinois residents and ensure that we are providing as much relief as we can to deal with these extraneous circumstances.”

On July 2, severe storms impacted the state, with Chicago and Cook County bearing the brunt of some of the heaviest rainfall on record. Up to nine inches of rain fell in some parts of the area, causing significant flooding on area roadways and in thousands of basements across the city and suburbs.

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Cervantes law will allow veterans and immigrants to return to real estate career

• SB 1866
• Real Estate
• Veterans
• Immigrants

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes spearheaded a new law that will waive certain requirements for veterans and those without a social security number who are seeking a real estate license.

”This law assists veterans and immigrants who are going to continue their real estate career in Illinois and have run into barriers in their continuing education requirements,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With this law, we will help individuals reinstate their real estate license and continue their practice in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1866 removes barriers faced by veterans and immigrants who are trying to obtain licensing for real estate. Under the new law, veterans will have all continuing education requirements waived upon seeking reactivation of their real estate license within two years after their time in service. Those with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) can apply for a license in real estate or as community association managers, auctioneers, or home inspectors.

The law also allows those who are seeking auctioneer licenses and have attended auction school courses to be approved for licensure by the Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board.

“There are barriers in place that make this process difficult for many communities, and with this law we ensure that military and immigration status do not play a part in obtaining a license,” Cervantes said. “I am happy to see great legislation signed into law to provide community members across Illinois with the chance to continue their career in real estate.”

Senate Bill 1866 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

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Senator Cervantes wraps up first session bringing in millions for communities across Illinois

• Health Care
• Higher Education
• Veterans
• FY24 Budget

SPRINGFIELD – After the Fiscal Year 2024 was approved by the Senate on Thursday, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes released the following statement:

“I am excited to see a budget that continues to invest in the 1^st District through social services, educational programs, child care initiatives, and our community organizations that serve so many across Illinois and in our district.

“Illinois is investing in communities from Brighton Park to Berwyn and Cicero. We are investing in capital projects, violence prevention, youth development and more. This is one of the biggest investments Illinois has made in higher education, and I am happy to see funding to support IGROW and education initiatives I have fought for this year.

“I am proud to support a budget that continues to invest in home services programs across the state as we continue to address growing caseloads our health care workers have faced.

“Not only are we investing in education, health care, and child care, but we are also ensuring our veterans are getting the attention and funding they need. Our veterans deserve the support of Illinois and we will continue investments into mental health care, suicide prevention, and housing assistance for our veterans.

“I am proud to support this budget and will continue to fight for the members of the 1^st District and residents across Illinois.”

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Cervantes legislation banning video calls while driving passes Senate

• HB 2431
• Driving Safety
• Distracted Driving
• Video Conferencing

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes sponsored legislation that would prohibit all drivers from using an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle in Illinois, including any video conferencing or social media applications.

“We are prioritizing safety with this legislation, because no video call is worth someone getting hurt,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We are taking action against drivers who put themselves and everyone around them in danger with straightforward legislation that will protect Illinois drivers.”

House Bill 2431 would make it illegal to use any electronic communications devices while operating a motor vehicle, including the use of cell phones and tablets for streaming videos and participating in video conferences on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Additionally, the bill prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

Drivers that are currently allowed a permit to use electronic communication devices in hands-free or voice-operated mode by pressing a single button to activate would be exempt from this legislation.

“Taking positive steps to change the culture surrounding distracted driving will lead to more responsible drivers and ultimately save lives,” Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. “Zooming, streaming videos and video conferencing takes hands, eyes and minds off the focus of driving. This measure will go a long way toward changing bad behaviors for the better. I thank Senator Cervantes’ leadership for shepherding this legislation through the Senate and helping to make Illinois roads safer.”

House Bill 2431 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

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