Illinois quick hits: Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid

Chicago Democrats have introduced legislation that would provide guaranteed income for new and expectant mothers on Medicaid.

House Bill 5238 introduced by state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, and Senate Bill 3756 filed by state Sen. Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago, would provide cash disbursements starting July 1, 2026.

Program participants would receive a $1,500 lump sum payment in or around the third trimester of pregnancy plus $500 monthly cash payments for the first six months after delivery.

Career tech or foreign language course?

Illinois lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow high school students to take career technical education classes instead of foreign language instruction.

State Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago, introduced Senate Bill 3070 to provide the CTE alternative starting in the 2028-2029 school year.

The Technology & Manufacturing Association said the foreign language mandate taking effect in 2027 would limit the availability for students to take CTE classes.

Judge issues ruling on Chicago fines

Chicago taxpayers could be on the hook for more than $160 million in refunds to thousands of vehicle owners slammed with illegally excessive fines over unpaid parking tickets, missing city stickers and other car-related city ordinance violations.

Cook County Judge William B. Sullivan sided with plaintiffs in a class action challenging Chicago’s practices of assessing fines worth hundreds or thousands of dollars for citations, even though state law capped those fines at $250.

Jonathan Bilyk contributed to this story

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