Earlier today, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) failed to render the necessary votes for a positive recommendation to overturn stringent eligibility rules for the Child care Assistance Program. The emergency rules removed thousands of needy families from the Child Care Assistance Program. Under Governor Rauner’s rules, most working parents making minimum wage are not eligible for assistance with child care. Senate Black Caucus Chairman

Senator Emil Jones offered the following statement:

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Recently, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago), had a measure he sponsored signed into law that helps new homeowners their property tax bill. Senate Bill 780 requires county assessors to mail information to new homeowners regarding the rules and filing periods for applying and reapplying for exemptions.

“When homes are purchased, especially by first time homeowners, it’s important that we provide them with information about saving possibilities,” Senator Jones said. “This new law is fair and will help families focus their finances on living expenses and future investments.”

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Yesterday, in front of a semi packed room in the Kroc Center, State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) hosted a rally with SEIU, CAPS, Roseland Hospital, daycare advocates and area ministers to denounce Governor Rauner’s vicious cuts that target working families.

“We won’t stand idly by and watch our community suffer at the hands of Governor Rauner’s corporate agenda,” said Senator Jones. “What about the family agenda? Governor Rauner is so focused on helping his City Club friends that he has forgotten the working families in Illinois.”

Since July, 2,000 working mothers and fathers have been denied child care assistance. Child care advocates are concerned that more stringent acceptance requirements will force more parents to leave their jobs and rely on more government assistance.

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In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a health crisis, especially in the African-American community. The Roseland community, part of State Senator Emil Jones III’s district (Chicago – 14), has among the highest rates of AID/ HIV in the city. In an effort to fight this dangerous disease, Senator Jones sponsored a new law to extend a program that allows health care professionals to notify a spouse or civil union partner when HIV test results are positive.

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