IT'S NOT TOO LATE! National Library week is almost over so don't miss out on special offers at the Cicero Public Library!
Cicero Public Library is waiving recent late fees until the 18th and replacing lost or dusty library cards free!
Questions? Call 708.652.8084 ext. 5
Chicago- Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago), along with Latino radio personality Luisa Maria, will celebrate International Women's day by honoring several prominent Latina women.
One of Illinois' most impactful and dedicated Latina women, Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, will share stories of her life struggles and her determination to overcome them, which eventually earned her the title of Illinois' first female Hispanic lieutenant governor.
SPRINGFIELD- After reflecting on Gov. Bruce Rauner's 2015 state of the state address, State Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) had the following words to say:
150 years ago, a tall, self-made white man from Springfield called on the General Assembly to protect the rights of minorities by abolishing slavery and ratifying the 13th Amendment.
Last week, another tall, self-made white man who lives in Springfield called on the General Assembly to remove institutional barriers facing racial minorities.
He called for greater inclusion in trade unions, specifically noting the lack of racial minorities in apprenticeship programs.
He called for a 25 percent reduction in the prison population (overwhelmingly filled with racial minorities).
He pledged to invest in minority businesses and insist that government contractors work with minority entrepreneurs.
This man's name wasn't Abraham. His name is Bruce. And his sincere commitment to racial minorities should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Senate Transportation Committee Chair State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) voted recently on a measure aimed at providing a reasonable set of standards for commercial ridesharing companies, ensuring public safety and protecting Illinois citizens.
House Bill 4075, named the Ridesharing Arrangements and Consumer Protection Act, will require commercial ridesharing companies to have adequate insurance, contract with drivers who are appropriately licensed, use vehicles that are inspected for safety and serve customers with disabilities and in underserved communities.
“Companies like UberX, Lyft and Sidecar have recently entered Illinois communities to provide transportation services that have always required special licensure and strict compliance with local public safety rules,” Sandoval said. “Right now, these companies are providing thousands of rides a day without adequate insurance. It is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs and an innocent person is left without recourse.”
The Illinois General Assembly passed the Ridesharing Arrangements Act in 1983 to permit carpooling and other similar activities. The legislation was narrowly crafted to prohibit alternative taxi services from operating in the state. UberX, Lyft and Sidecar have been openly operating in the City of Chicago and the city’s affluent suburbs without abiding by any regulations.
This measure has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate.