SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) was proud to support a budget that focuses on providing Illinoisans with relief by putting money back in their pockets.

“Our plan provides funding to pay back our debts and save for the future while providing relief to families,” Jones said. “We’ve focused on easing the financial burden families are facing – from inflation at the grocery store to skyrocketing gas prices.”

The budget brings forth a total of $1.8 billion in tax relief for families.  It addresses inflation by suspending the 1% state grocery tax for one year, and freezing the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months to help with rising prices at the pump.

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SPRINGFIELD – To keep children safe from reckless drivers, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) passed legislation to make speeding in park zones an equivalent punishment to speeding in school zones.

“Parents should have the peace of mind that when their student is at school or at the park playing or running around with friends that they’re safe from reckless drivers,” Jones said. “When children are outside, drivers must be cautious and careful behind the wheel.”

House Bill 5328 would make speeding in a park zone the same as speeding in a school zone. Additionally, it clarifies that school zone speed limits apply to local, county and state roadways.

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CHICAGO – After three people were murdered in Morgan Park on Tuesday, State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in our community. This tragedy has profoundly troubled all of our neighbors.

“I send my deepest sympathies to the Riley family and hope we can bring them the justice they deserve.

“Gun violence is a scourge on all of our communities and we must continue pushing for legislation to stop the violence at its roots and provide true public safety for all of us.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) is sponsoring legislation to mandate and require private insurers to allow men to get annual prostate cancer screenings free-of-charge.

“It’s important to be aware of your health risks — this bill will make prostate cancer screenings more accessible for men across the state,” Jones said. “Prostate cancer is life threatening — a simple test can detect it early and save a life.”

House Bill 5318 would require private insurers to provide all qualifying male policyholders with an annual prostate cancer screening upon the recommendations of a physician.

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