SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Natalie Toro is leading a measure to make work permits more accessible and attainable to new arrivals.

“Filling out a lengthy work permit application alone, in a language you may not be fluent in, while in a crowded, noisy shelter, can be very difficult for new arrivals to complete accurately,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This legislation will ensure new arrivals have expert support in the confusing application process, so that they are able to join the workforce more seamlessly.”

Senate Bill 3296 would create a grant program for community-based organizations to receive funding to help them provide free assistance to newly arrived immigrants going through the work permit application process. By establishing this program and providing grants to local organizations, Toro hopes new arrivals would be able to receive support more quickly so they can start their career and settle in the city sooner. 

SPRINGFIELD — People come to Illinois from all around the world and have the difficult task of finding work, housing and a sense of community. This is all while navigating the confusing and lengthy immigration process. State Senator Natalie Toro is working on legislation to protect them from being taken advantage of during this vulnerable time.

“Protections against discrimination need to be in place for everyone who calls Illinois their home,” said Toro (D-Chicago).  “Immigrants, some of whom have left their families or do not speak English, can be more vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination. My new legislation will make sure bad actors cannot discriminate against immigrants without being held accountable.”

Under Toro’s measure, threatening to report someone’s immigration status or suspected immigration status to federal immigration enforcement or another person would be considered intimidation — a criminal offense. If sentenced, those charged would face 2-10 years of imprisonment, as intimidation is a Class 3 felony. The measure would not create any penalty enhancements under current law.

SPRINGFIELD — After a 16-year-old in her district was struck and killed by a car while riding his bike, State Senator Natalie Toro has been working to improve the safety features of Chicago bike lanes to prevent further tragedies. Her new bill, which prioritizes cyclist safety, passed the Senate Transportation committee, bringing it one step closer to becoming law.

“Biking should be a safe pastime for kids—not something that could end up getting them killed,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “It is horrific to think that children—like 16-year-old Josh Anleu—who are just trying to visit their friends or a local park never make it home because of unsafe bike lanes. Something has to change, and I believe this initiative is the first step to better protect our bikers.” 

Chicagoans frequently use maps of existing bike lanes when planning a safe route via bikes throughout their community. However, under existing law, “bike lanes” have a variety of definitions—including lanes safely blocked off from motor traffic with barriers, but also lanes only separated by drawn lines that may be utilized by parked cars or people pulling over. Without more transparency about the safety features of designated “bike lanes,” cyclists, including children like Josh Anleu who was killed by a motorist, may choose routes without knowing they may be much closer to motorists without barriers to protect them—lanes that report significantly more accidents and injuries to bikers.

CHICAGO — More people in the 20^th District will have the opportunity to participate in pre-apprenticeship programs with the help of funding from the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to support Metropolitan Family Services, State Senator Natalie Toro announced.  

“Trades and construction work is vital to our infrastructure and economy. We need to not only encourage more people to work in these industries, but also break down barriers to entry for people who are interested in these careers,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “I am hopeful this funding will encourage people to pursue apprenticeship programs and support organizations facilitating these opportunities.”

Thirty-six organizations around the state received grants through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, including $550,000 to Metropolitan Family Services. While the program launched in 2021, this is the first year Metropolitan Family Services has received funding to help increase diversity and access to apprenticeship programs.