SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Natalie Toro is working on new legislation to ensure protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence by expediting the process to receive protective orders against perpetrators and increasing workplace safeguards.

“For too long, people have fallen victim to violence or assault after concerns for their safety were not taken seriously,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “It is time we turn our commitment to believing survivors into policy and strengthen protections for survivors to prevent further harm.”

Protective orders are vital for the safety of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking by separating an alleged offender from the alleged victim. Nearly 56,000 protective orders were filed in Illinois during 2021 alone. However, these orders are only effective if they are served or if a short order notification is issued.

Short form notifications are triggered during routine interactions with law enforcement, allowing officers to inform offenders of the protective order. Under current law, law enforcement officers are not required to service short form notifications. Senate Bill 2604 would require law enforcement to serve short form notifications if they encounter someone with an unserved protective order.

Further, Senate Bill 2605 increases protections in the workplace for people with protective orders by requiring managers to immediately call law enforcement if the offender appears on the premises during the survivor’s work hours. Together, these measures will strengthen protections for survivors and offer better peace of mind.

“Navigating the world as a woman — especially as a woman of color — requires us to be vigilant for our safety because those entrusted to protect us have not always listened to our very real concerns about threats of harm,” said Toro. “With these laws, I hope survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are afforded more protections and can instead focus on healing from these traumas.”

Toro looks forward to working with advocates and community stakeholders on advancing Senate Bill 2604 and Senate Bill 2605 during the legislative session.

SPRINGFIELD — With her experiences as an early childhood educator for nearly 10 years, State Senator Natalie Toro is proud to offer her insight on the Senate Education and Early Childhood Education committees.

“As an educator, I have seen firsthand the funding disparities between schools and how this impacts our kids’ educational outcomes,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “I have also seen the impact of the teacher shortage, with many colleagues unable to afford to live within their current salary.”

In addition to her role on the Senate Education and Early Childhood Education committees, Toro will serve as the vice chair of the Senate Local Government Committee and as a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Senate Appropriations – Education Committee.

Toro was appointed to serve the 20^th Senate District after working as a Chicago Teacher’s Union teacher for kindergarten and third grade. She is a lifelong resident of the district and looks forward to advocating for her community and its educators in the Springfield.

“Like many teachers in our state, I have walked into my classroom and found no supplies for students, and had no other choice but to pay for essential items out of my own pocket. I have also taken on additional jobs just to survive off of a teacher’s salary,” said Toro. “Bringing light to these everyday realities in the Senate will help craft policies that address the day-to-day struggles our educators are facing, which also ensures our kids are getting the best education possible.”

Committee schedules and livestreamed proceedings are available at www.ilga.gov.

Do you want to be a part of making legislation to help the 20^th District? Please consider joining our Policy Roundtables. In separate meetings, we will discuss important issues impacting our community, including housing, violence prevention, and education, and offer space for you to voice suggestions and policy recommendations I can bring to Springfield. Let your voice be heard at our upcoming roundtables!

Please sign up for the roundtables you are most interested below:

Housing: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeD4gi7V0jYxH_1mwa8jrqYlfY1P_0YFVCj2yAbzYP1JbFneg/viewform

Violence Prevention: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFGY9CLX68GUcCpAsdJ7P_16TQCuGa1eAPbTqdIgKT7datzQ/viewform

Education: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewh73pJ7N9QxNdmqmGf8Kq1T1935KwpJOsozniSJCK-C2kbA/viewform

CHICAGO – Senator Natalie Toro and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced a $58 million investment in road and bridge improvement projects for the 20^th District.

“Our state’s aging infrastructure can cause disruptions for commuters and delays for cyclists or pedestrian travelers if roads are not accessible,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “These investments will ensure our community’s pathways are improved and maintained to make commuting through the district more convenient for our neighbors.” 

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Toro represents will see eight infrastructure projects totaling $58,281,000 over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• Standard overlay on Milwaukee Avenue from Logan Boulevard to Armitage Avenue
• Bridge preservation along the Kennedy Expressway from the Edens Expressway junction to Hubbard Street
• Sign maintenance and pavement patching along the Kennedy Expressway from the Edens Expressway junction to Hubbard Street

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Infrastructure is essential to keeping us connected to our community and beyond,” said Toro. “Ensuring it is upgraded and enhanced will make traveling around our neighborhood more efficient and enjoyable.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 20^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.