Time to study up, Illinois. When the clock hits midnight on New Year’s Day, 293 new state laws will take effect.
Those include some of the defining bills of the 2024 legislative session and others that will change how people get IDs, evaluate job postings and even cancel gym memberships.
In addition to the laws taking effect on Jan. 1, the state’s minimum wage will rise to $15 to complete a ramp up initiated during Gov. JB Pritzker’s first month in office in 2019.
Digital driver’s licenses
The secretary of state can begin creating a process to issue digital driver’s licenses and state IDs beginning in the new year after Pritzker signed House Bill 4592. Residents will still be required to receive a physical ID and agencies or private entities will not be required to accept digital IDs in place of physical IDs.
Providing a phone to police to show a digital ID also doesn’t give police consent to search a person’s cell phone.
Salary transparency
Employers with 15 or more employees must include information about benefits and the salary range on job postings, according to House Bill 3129. The law will also apply to businesses hiring for remote work positions in Illinois.
“When employers aren’t transparent about pay, gender and racial wage gaps widen, costing women and people of color valuable compensation,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said in a news release. “Illinois’ new Pay Transparency law is a resounding win for the working people who call our state home.”
‘Junk’ health insurance
Short-term, limited duration health insurance plans will be illegal in Illinois beginning Jan. 1. The plans, often called “junk insurance” by critics, do not meet the minimum standards of the federal Affordable Care Act.
The ban outlined in House Bill 2499 was part of Pritzker’s health insurance overhaul that lawmakers passed in the spring. It was aimed at reducing barriers to care for patients and making health care more affordable by expanding coverage requirements for insurance companies.
Short-term insurance plans are typically for people who have a lapse in health insurance coverage such as when they lose or change jobs, but they are different from COBRA benefits, which most employers are required to offer under federal law. Supporters of the bill argued the plans are deceptive and stick consumers with huge out-ofpocket costs, but others said the plans provide consumers with an affordable option to fill a gap in coverage.
Caregiver discrimination
House Bill 2161 adds family responsibilities to the list of categories protected from discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. The new law prevents employers from taking adverse action against employees because of their responsibilities as a caregiver for a family member, which could cause them to miss work.
Bill sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, told a House committee in April that pregnant women are a good example of who the bill is designed to help. He said pregnant women shouldn’t be passed up for a promotion or face other consequences at work in anticipation that they will be taking time off to care for their baby. Guzzardi stressed the bill does not protect employees who fail to meet job performance requirements.
AI regulations
New laws governing artificial intelligence take effect Jan. 1. It will be illegal to generate child pornography using AI, according to House Bill 4623. Supporters of
the bill, including the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, said it is becoming more difficult to distinguish between real and AI-generated images. They said updating Illinois’ child pornography laws was a necessary to step allow law enforcement to identify and prosecute child pornography cases.
House bill 4875 also adds new protections to prohibit using AI to recreate a person’s voice, image or likeness for commercial purposes without the person’s consent. Recording artists can seek damages for violations of the law.
Politics and religion at work
Employees can’t be required to sit through work meetings discussing religion or politics starting Jan. 1. Senate Bill 3649, an initiative of the Illinois AFL-CIO, creates new protections for employees who skip out on such meetings and prevents employers from retaliating against them.
The law does not prohibit discussing religion or politics at work, but employees are not required to participate in the discussions if such activities are not part of their job. The law excludes non-profit and advocacy groups where politics or religion may be part of job.
Coming later in 2025
Pritzker’s signature health reform package goes into effect on Jan. 1, but most provisions don’t have to be implemented until the beginning of 2026. House Bill 5395 bans “step therapy,” which requires patients to try and fail treatments preferred by insurance companies before they can receive the treatment recommended by their doctor.
It also bans insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for emergency in-patient mental health treatment, requires insurers to keep up-to-date lists of innetwork providers and expands the power of the Illinois Department of Insurance to regulate premium rates.
Many hotels in Illinois will no longer be allowed to provide customers with single-use plastic soap and shampoo beginning July 1 under Senate Bill 2960. The move is designed to cut down on waste from single-use products. The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association supported the change. Hotels with fewer than 50 rooms have until 2026 to make the change.
Other new laws
NIL money: Student athletes at NCAA universities can earn name, image and likeness money directly from their universities. House Bill 307 was an initiative of the University of Illinois.
Hearing aids: Insurance providers must cover medically prescribed hearing aids for all people under House Bill 2443. Coverage was previously only required for those under 18.
Gym memberships: House Bill 4911 requires gyms and fitness centers to accept multiple ways for people to cancel their membership. Physical fitness locations also must now allow customers to cancel their membership by email or online. Customers will also be allowed to submit written notice for canceling their membership by mail.
Subscription renewals: Businesses that offer a free trial or promotional period for their product or service must notify customers at least three days before the subscription automatically renews at a paid rate under Senate Bill 2764. The law only applies to subscriptions longer than 15 days.
Crime victim DNA: DNA evidence collected from a person who is the victim of a crime to aid a criminal investigation cannot be entered into a DNA database, according to House Bill 1168.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Published every week covering the towns of South Holland/Thornton, Lansing, Dolton/Calumet City, Munster, Highland, and Schererville. Our circulation is independently audited by CAC.
ERRORS
We proofread all Classified ads. However, should a mistake occur, it can easily be corrected, provided it is brought to our attention. Call 708-271-8971 to rectify an error. We cannot be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Adjustment for error is limited to republication. In any event, adjustment for errors or omissions is limited to the cost of the space occupied.
CLASSIFIED ADS
The Shopper offers FREE non-business Classified Ads (20 word maximum). Business Classifieds are $25 for 20 words, $1.00 per word over. Place ads online at www.myshopper.biz
NEWS
Email news items to general@myshopper.biz
Some content courtesy of Family Features and Capital News Illinois.
DEADLINE
Friday 4:00 pm for the following week’s issue.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE
The Shopper reserves the right to edit any content supplied for publication as it sees fit, including but not limited to clarity, grammatical and factual accuracy, and to accommodate available space. All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to Fair Housing Laws which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, age, ancestry, parental status, source of income, military discharge status or housing status,” no matter how large or small the property. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777.
The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
Real Estate Questions & Answers
CATHY & JIM HIGGINS
Question: I recently retired and my husband will retire in a few years. We currently make more than $4,000 monthly together and already own our 1940 home of 1,600 sq. ft. It’s an oldfashioned home, but in good condition. We have updated much of our home.
My husband wants to sell and buy something larger and I want to remodel rather than have a $150 to $200,000 dollar larger home and high monthly payments again. Within our area the homes are selling at $60 to $90,000 and I believe that we can sell for $89,000. I want to stay and he wants to sell. What do think we should do?
Answer: You now have a current monthly income -- but what happens after he retires?
Whether to move or not move is a
personal decision. There is no “right” answer other than the one which makes sense for you both.
As a start, compare the finances required for both homes -- have a chart showing monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, electric, gas and water. Show your tax write-off with each home as well as your income today and after your husband’s retirement. Then ask who will clean this new and larger home?
E-mail us your Real Estate questions at Cathyah@aol.com. Thinking of selling your home? Call Cathy & Jim Higgins, Licensed Broker/Realtors in Indiana & Illinois. IN: 219-865-4361 IL: 708-828-3304. McColly Real Estate. Website: www.Cathyhiggins. com. Personal Real Estate Journal: www. Higginshousechat.blogspot.com
A new year and a new chapter
By Fernando Diaz and Melanie Jongsma Hello and thanks for reading The Shopper!
This cherished paper wouldn’t be around if you weren’t picking up a copy every week to read articles, learn about dearly departed neighbors, find service times at churches, scan the classifieds for deals, and play the puzzles. It wouldn’t be around without the writers who submit columns every week or the generous support of our advertisers – the true engines of our local economy – who have kept this paper in continuous, weekly publication since 1957.
We bought The Shopper a few days before Thanksgiving because we couldn’t stand to see it die out. We have already made a few changes to enhance this critical resource and serve the Southland communities even better. As the new owners, our goal is to continue fulfilling the original vision of The Shopper to connect people and build community in our region.
Close readers will notice that we increased the type size to make text easier to read. We started with the obituaries and the next week made every single letter larger, from the classifieds to the news articles. We have also added photos to the obituaries and moved them to color pages alongside Janice Minton-
Kutz’s long running column Neighbor 2 Neighbor. We want to celebrate who we are and who we serve.
We are exploring other changes that we hope will make The Shopper brighter and better than it’s ever been, including increasing circulation, revisiting the subscription service, adding more puzzles and games, and increasing the quantity and quality of the journalism in these pages. We also want to standardize advertising opportunities for local businesses and keep delivering results through classifieds and garage sale ads. We are already working on a guide for the April elections that we expect will cover every public office that touches any corner within Thornton Township. We believe in government transparency and accountability, and we understand our role in sustaining public awareness about the functions of local government and elected officials.
But we can’t do any of this without you. If you have ideas for how we can keep improving The Shopper, things you’d like to see us try or do once more, please get in touch. We will listen and consider every suggestion we get. You can email us at general@myshopper.biz or call 708-271-8971. We’d love to hear from you!
Are your protection plans in place?
SUBMITTED BY PATRICK ZAMKIN
Have you ever thought about how much you have to protect? Between your family, your finances, your independence and your legacy, it can be quite a lot — and that’s why it’s important to have the right protection plan in place.
Let’s look at these areas of need and some possible protection solutions:
• Protecting your income – An injury or severe illness could prevent you from working for some time. And if that happened, your family’s finances could become strained. To help guard against this possibility, you may want to consider disability insurance. Your employer may offer some type of coverage, but it’s likely to be short term and may not be enough to help close the income gap you might face, so you may want to consider purchasing your own policy.
• Protecting your family – If you were no longer around, how would your family’s lifestyle be affected? Could they stay in the same house? Could your children afford college or another type of post-secondary education? If you have adequate life insurance, the answer to these questions can be “yes.” Again, you might get some coverage from your employer, but it may be insufficient, so you may want to explore additional protection through a personal policy. In determining how much coverage you’ll need, you’ll want to weigh several factors: size of mortgage and other debts, number of children, spouse’s income and needs, and the legacy you’d like to leave.
• Protecting your goals – You may have some important financial goals, such as sending your children to college and achieving a comfortable retirement. To protect these goals, you’ll need strategies to help prepare for them, which could include investing in an education savings plan and contributing regularly to your IRA and 401(k) or other retirement plans.
• Protecting your financial independence – Hopefully, you will be able to remain financially independent your entire life. But this
independence could be threatened by the need for some type of longterm care. Consider this: A private room in a nursing home costs, on average, more than $116,000 a year, while the services of a home health aide are more than $75,000 a year, according to Genworth, an insurance company. Medicare generally does not cover these costs or types of needs and would typically only pay for a short period. You might be left with significant bills or creditors and possibly dependent on family or loved ones. To help protect yourself from these threats, you may want to consult with a financial professional, who can offer long-term care solutions.
• Protecting your legacy – When you work hard your whole life, you may want to leave something behind to your loved ones. A comprehensive estate plan can help ensure your family — and the charitable groups you support — will receive the resources you’d like them to have. An estate plan can be somewhat complex, involving various documents and arrangements, including a will, living trust and various powers of attorney, so you’ll need to work with a qualified legal advisor, and possibly your financial professional. As we’ve seen, “protection” can take many forms. So, try to follow all the protection strategies you need to enjoy the life you’ve envisioned for yourself and your family.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Patrick Zamkin, located at 18735 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430. Contact us at (708) 798-9066. Edward Jones. Member SIPC.
Financial Advice Column
LOCAL CHURCHES
CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH, COGIC
1151 E. 170th St., South Holland
708-331-8389
FAX 708.331.8374
Admin@ChristCommunityCOGIC.org
ChristCommunityCOGIC.org
PASTOR DR. CARL E. KING, SR. WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAY
Church School 9:15 a.m.
Worship Services 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY Bible Study…… 7:00 p.m.
COVENANT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1130 East 154th St., South Holland
708-333-5955
www.covucc.org
PASTOR REV. DR. PATRICK L. DAYMOND WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday Worship 7:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Wed. Bible Study Noon
FIRST CHURCH (PCA)
3134 Ridge Rd, Lansing
708-474-9610
www.firstchurchpca.org
Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
Evening Worship 5:30 p.m.
FIRST ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF SOUTH HOLLAND
16248 South Park Ave., South Holland
708-333-8211
www.firstchurchsh.org
PASTOR REV. DANIEL SVENDSEN WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
JESUS LIGHTHOUSE OF LOVE
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES 19058 Burnham Ave, Lansing 312-206-1833
facebook.com/JLOLMinistries
PASTOR EL CID ZOLLICOFFER
PASTOR SHONNI ZOLLICOFFER WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday........................................... 11:00 a.m. Wed. Service on Facebook.............7:30 p.m. Women of Worship via Zoom 3rd Sat. @ 12 pm
Bible Study: Sundays at ........9:15am (Sunday school at this time too) 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month (Ladies’ Bible Study) Wednesdays at 10am Thursdays at 10am (Nursery available for Sunday morning services)
ESPIRITU DE DIOS
16400 S. State St., South Holland
708-439-1220
sogfchurch.com
PASTORES Jose & Paula Lopez
SERVICIOS: Grupo de Oracion de Hombres
Heart Smart
RICHARD ZEKVELD
ohn 1:18 says, “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.”
“No one has ever seen God.” Have you ever looked directly at the sun? Don’t. You’ll damage your eyes. How much more with God! Moses begged God to show him his glory. But God replied, “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live” (Numbers 33:20, ESV).
But God wants us to see him so we can know him and enjoy eternal fellowship with him. He sent Jesus, veiled in flesh, to show us who he is. “God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.” Jesus is “God the One and Only.” He also embodies who God is as he teaches, heals, drives out demons, forgives, still storms, dies for our sins, and conquers death.
The One who reveals God to us to redeem and restore us to fellowship with him is “at the Father’s side”. The Greek word for ‘side’ here is ‘kolpon.’ ‘Kolpon’ can refer to a bay – a body of water sheltered by land on three sides. Sit down and stretch your arms out in front of you. The space between your chest, arms, and legs is your ‘kolpon’. It’s a bay! In John 1:18, Jesus is “the One who is in the Father’s lap” or “in the Father’s embrace.” Our Father has an enormous lap, a gigantic embrace! He sent Jesus to redeem us and draw us back into that embrace. Confess your sin and self-rule, come to Jesus, and God will pull you onto his lap as his child. One day, his redeemed children will see his face (1 John 3:1-3).
Richard Zekveld Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church cfcsh.org
Be prepared before the next power outage.
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS
8303 Sheffield Avenue Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 865-1137
www.unitynwi.org ALL WELCOME MINISTER: REV. GERALDINE COLVIN SUNDAY SERVICE.......................10:00 AM
and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) are SONYA WILLIAMS, 15502 DANTE AVE APT 2F, DOLTON, IL 60419, USA.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
Calumet City Public Librar y
Address: 660 S Manistee Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409
Phone: (708) 862-6220
Email: info@calumetcitypl.org
Website: http://www calumetcitypl.org/index.html
Dolton Public Libr ar y
Address: 14037 Lincoln Ave, Dolton, IL
Phone: 708-849-2385
Email: lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org
Website: www.doltonpubliclibrary.org
BINGO NIGHT
Starting October 12th, from 3 – 4pm. Held every 2 nd and 4 th Thursday in the Kopac. Please call (708) 849-2385 x3 leaving your full name, email address and phone number or send email to lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org to register. FREE
Virtual Zumba
Dolton Public Library District presents
VIRTUAL ZUMBA with licensed instructor
Yvette Roberts Come and join in the fun every Friday at 5pm Please call (708)8492385 or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary org and leave your full name, email address and phone number to register (5pm – 6pm every Friday). FREE
BEGINNERS LINE DANCING with “DAWN the DANCIN’’ DEEVA”
Every Wednesday, from 3pm to 4pm. Please call 708-849-2385 ext. 3 to register, RSVP between Friday, 9am and Tuesday, 4pm ONLY Leaving your full name and phone number Held in the Josway Auditorium. FREE
VIRTUAL SENIOR YOGA
Every Wednesday taught by Dionne Arnold, Certified Yoga Instructor, (4pm to 5pm) Please call 708-849-2385 or email lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org and leaving your full name, email address and phone number to register. FREE
SENIOR BRIDGE CLUB
Held e v ery Tu es d a y, i n perso n, f ro m 3:3 0 pm t o 4: 3 0pm
cal li n
708- 8 49- 2 3 8
l i ncol n @dolt o npu
or g
leav e your f u l l name, em a i l a n d p h o n e n umber t o registe r. FRE E
VIRTUAL WORKOUT with SHEENA STINSON
Get in Shape from Home. Classes held every Monday from 6pm to 6:30pm Please call 708-849-2385 or email us at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary org leaving your full name, email address and phone number to register. A Zoom Link will be sent day of the program FREE
Get up and Move with Simon Says Join the Dolton Public Library Youth Services Dept. as we play “Simon Says”. Held every 3rd or 4th Friday from 10:45 to 11:45am starting Oct. 27 th . PLEASE CALL FOR FUTURE DATES. Register by calling (708849-2385, ext. 4) or emailing at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org leaving your name, email address, phone number and the number of children participating. FREE
Buriobo
Burbio is a one-stop free resource to find out about all the Dolton area events and activities. If your group wishes to post your events on burbio contact: groupsupport@burbio. com Sign-up at Burbio.com or download the free Android or iPhone app and follow the calendars that interest you. FREE
VIRTUAL PASSPORT TO KNOWLEDGE,
Every first Monday of the month from 3:30 – 4pm. Pack your bags for a virtual trip around the world and learn about other countries and cultures. Register at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org or call (708-849-2385) and leave your name, email and phone number Come curbside to pick up your Passport Packet prior to departure. The link for Zoom will be emailed prior to the program. FREE
BET WEEN the PAGES : A Virtual Story Time
Every third Saturday of the month at 1:30pm. To register call (708-849-2385) or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org and leave your name, phone number and email address. A link will be sent to you. FREE
COOKBOOK BOOK CLUB
Will meet in the Josway Auditorium on one Saturday a month, from 11am to 1pm at the library (14037 Lincoln Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419). To discuss the selected cookbook and to taste samples that have been prepared by our members from the recipes within the book
Potential new members please call 708-849-2385, ext. 5 to register leaving your name, email and phone number to get complete details. FREE
Homework Help
GOT HOMEWORK? NEED HELP? For ages 5 – 14yrs, make an appointment with Mrs. Brooks on Fridays or Saturdays by calling (708) 849- 2385 x 4. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes each. FREE
Toddler Time
For young children (18 mos – 4 yrs.) and their caregivers. Every 2nd Tuesday, 10:45am – 11:45am. 14037 Lincoln Avenue, Kopac Room, starting June 6, 2023. To join us, please register at lincoln@doltonpubiclibrary.org leave your name, email address or call at 708-8492385, ext. 4. FREE
Family Game Time
Join us twice a month on Saturday, from 1:00 to 2:30pm for free fun and activities. To be held in the Youth Services department. Call (708) 849-2385 x 4 for future dates. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FREE
Creative Craft
Join Ms. Barbara every 4th Wednesday for a new fun art craft from 3:30 – 4:00 pm in the Kopac Room. NO NEED TO REGISTER KIDS &YOUTH 5-16 YRS. FREE!
FREE online Line Dancing with Dawn the Diva, Tuesdays at 6:30pm
Join Us For Vir tual Programs : Each day at 4:00 pm, “stop” in for online family-fun at the Harvey Library Tuesday: Craft Wednesday: Story Time Thursday: Bacon Bits & Cooking Tips Monthly Virtual Music Class (Friday, check calendar each month)
Our food pantry is open to everyone and is located in the entryway of library. Donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at the Circulation Desk. Please ensure that food items are non-perishable, non-glass containers and not expired.
Weekly Walking Group 9 – 10 am Ages: Adults/Seniors This walking program is for everyone interested in achieving a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your path to better physical and emotional health, than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improve your general health.
South Holland Public Librar y Address: 16250 Wausau Ave., South Holland IL Phone: 708-527-3160 or 708-580-6161
Thor nton Public Librar y Address: 115 E. Margaret St. Thornton, IL. Email: library@thorntonil us Website: https://www thorntonlibrary org/
Medicare Supplement Guaranteed Issue
A new bill, SEA 215 was introduced and passed in Indiana in Spring of 2024. Beginning January 1, 2025, there will be guaranteed issue into medigap plans for people under 65. What does this mean? This means that after December 31, 2024, any Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) that is available to those with Medicare will also have to provide that same plan, or an equivalent, available for those with Medicare due to disability or ESRD.
Anyone on Medicare under the age of 65 prior to January 1, 2025 will have a six month window to sign up for a Medigap Plan, guaranteed. This would be January 1 – June 30, 2025.
Anyone enrolling into Medicare under the age of 65 AFTER January 1, 2025 will be granted their own six month guaranteed enrollment window starting from the
first day of the month their Medicare begins.
Beginning January 1, 2025, the following rules will apply to health insurance providers:
• Issuers may not deny or condition issuance of Medicare supplement policy because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition of an individual.
• Issuers may not charge a premium rate for Plans A, B, or D that exceeds the premium rate an issuer charges to those age 65 for same Medicare supplement policy.
• Issuers may not charge a premium rate for any other standardized letter Medicare supplement policy that exceeds 200% of premium charged to those age 65 for the same Medicare supplement policy.
• Issuers may not issue policy that contains a waiting period or preexisting condition limitation or exclusion.
If you have questions about the SEA 215 bill or anything else related to Medicare, contact SHIP for free, impartial assistance.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free and impartial health insurance counseling program for people with Medicare. SHIP does not sell insurance. SHIP is provided by the Administration for Community Living and the Indiana Department of Insurance. We are part of a federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs located in every state. All of our services are free. Follow SHIP on social media for informative Medicare related videos, updates, and announcements. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Bill aims to reduce state requirements for name changes
Illinois lawmakers in early January could consider easing requirements for residents to change their names, a move proponents say will reduce risks for victims of domestic abuse, transgender residents and others.
The measure must clear the full Senate in the first week of January to reach Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk, otherwise it must go through the entire legislative process again after a new General Assembly convenes Jan. 8.
The bill, House Bill 5164, would eliminate an existing requirement to publish name changes with a local newspaper. It would also reduce the state residency requirement of people wanting to change their name from six months to three months.
“There are residents in our state who do not feel safe when they are an adoptee; they’re transgender; they’re an immigrant; they’re a survivor of domestic violence, survivor of sexual exploitation and human trafficking,” Sen. Ram Villivalam, the bill’s sponsor and a Chicago Democrat, said in an interview. “So they would like to change their name, and in doing so, we need to remove as many barriers as we can to ensure their health and safety.”
The goal of the bill is to decrease threats to people who have endured domestic abuse, discrimination and other threats to their safety. Villivalam said 24 states have already eased this requirement. Planned Parenthood, Equality Illinois and Brave Space Alliance are pushing for the change.
But the Senate’s top Republican, Sen. John Curran, R-Downers Grove, pushed back against the bill. He argued that impounding the records, meaning restricting access to them, should have a higher threshold.
Individuals are allowed to petition the court to impound records if they believe public disclosure would put them in harm’s way. That process allows individuals to selfattest to hardships and says they may – but are not required to – submit documentation.
“Why make it permissive, rather than a requirement, to attach relevant documents to the petition,” Curran said during a November committee meeting.
But Mike Ziri, the director of public policy at Equality Illinois, said impounded records don’t disappear from court records and are not sealed, but rather are selectively available to the involved parties.
“So it’s not a complete sealing. There will still be access to parties and by the clerk, as well,” Ziri said. “In my experience, working with communities, folks who say they’ve experiencing hardship and heartache, they’re
not making that up, and they want protection for very good reasons.”
The Republicans who hold a minority in the state senate questioned whether noncitizens with a criminal record could change their names to evade legal consequences as a result of the lowered requirements for a name change.
“Is this creating a loophole for people who are here, who are criminals and part of things involved in the trafficking, involved in all of these nefarious activities that we’ve been reading about?” Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said.
Ziri said that the self-attestation was for impounding the court records of name changes, not to get the name change itself.
Illinois law states that people on the sex offender registry, arsonists and people on the murderer and violent offender against youth list are barred from seeking name changes. The exceptions are marriage, religious reasons, human trafficking or gender identity. He also said a name change still requires the signature of a judge, and the process can take months.
“Changing your name does not allow you to escape the criminal record. That was legislation that was passed two years ago,” Ziri said. “That’s on top of the other requirement state police already have to check the criminal records with the name change granted months later.”
Villivalam said this bill takes Illinois “another step forward” in ensuring the health and safety of residents.
“Now, more than ever – given the rise in hate and discrimination across the board – people you know feel targeted. So the legislative work that we can do to reassure them on their safety and health is part of our job,” Villivalam said in an interview. “As people continue to feel the hate, feel the discrimination, get targeted, we need to continue to take these steps to make sure they feel healthy and safe.”
Atmika Iyer is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and a Fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Kathleen Frieda Hommema, nee Vermeulen, age 90, of Homewood, IL, went to her eternal home on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Kathleen (Kathy) was a woman of strong faith and character that was blessed with a gentle, sweet and kind spirit. She was a graduate of Fenger High School and enjoyed a career as an administrative assistant at Dirksen Jr. High School, Prairie State College and Living Springs Church, as well as other establishments. Over the years, Kathy actively served both her church and community in various ways. Her greatest treasure however, was her family. She was a mother through and through eminating her faith in Jesus in all her service to her family. Kathy will be remembered for her care and love for others. She had a wonderful listening ear and brought kindness to everyone she knew and met. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Donald Hommema and her parents Baldwin and Frieda Vermeulen, and siblings, Ken, Ron and Bob Vermeulen. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: James and Theresa Hommema, Janice and Gene Peterson, Joyce and Kurt Koster, precious grandchildren, Alex Hommema and Bradley Jensen and greatgrandchildren, Lincoln and Charlie Jensen, several loving nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Visitation Friday, December 27, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/ Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN, with Rev. Jason DeVries officiating. Interment Mount Vernon Memorial Estates – Lemont, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions by given to Moody Radio (www.moodyradio.org).
For further information, please contact 219-3227300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
Sandra Gay VerHaar, née McGill, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Beloved wife of Ted VerHaar. Treasured mother of Tad (Terri) VerHaar, Jeffrey (Cindy) VerHaar, Timothy (Barbara) VerHaar, and Daniel VerHaar. Cherished grandmother of her loving caretaker and granddaughter Keely, and grandchildren Brett, Cory (Ariel), Drew (Morgan), Derek VerHaar, Melissa (Mike) Olthoff, Zachary VerHaar, Samantha (Kyle) Schweig, Jessamyn and Harley VerHaar. Great-grandmother of Darian Horton, Trista VerHaar, Elizabeth Pugh, Axel VerHaar, Presley VerHaar, Scout VerHaar, Ruby VerHaar, and Noah Olthoff. Preceded in death by her parents Gay and Ruth McGill, her sister Sharon Pavlat, and her grandson Adrian. Visitation Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church 651 E 166th St, South Holland, IL with Rev. Kyle Johnson officiating. Interment Cedar Park Cemetery, Calumet Park, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Redeemer Lutheran Church or South Holland Lions Club (517 E 166th Place, South Holland, IL). For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www. SMITSFH.com
Mildred J. “Millie” Van Prooyen, nee Visser, age 93, of Schererville, IN, went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Loving wife of the late Gerald R. “Jim” Van Prooyen. Devoted mother of Tom (Barb) Van Prooyen, Mariellen (Brian) Boomsma, Diane (Ed) Saxsma, and Gary (Karen) Van Prooyen. Proud grandmother of Ryan Van Prooyen, Jordan Van Prooyen, Janelle (Pete) Lindemulder, Brandon (Krista) Boomsma, Jaclyn Boomsma, Scott (Todd) Saxsma, Cory (April) Saxsma, Adam Van Prooyen, and Matthew Van Prooyen; greatgrandmother of Paisley and Tanner Saxsma, Ava, Chase and Anya Lindemulder, Brody, Braelynn, Briar and Briggs Boomsma. Dearest sister of Jan (late John) Balkema, late Ellen (Jack) DeYoung, and the late Joni (late John) Van Der Aa. Preceded in death by
Eight Ways to Live Healthier in 2025
The last decade has seen a surge in cardiovascular risk factors such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, each of which raises the risks of developing heart disease and stroke. These trends are leading researchers to conclude that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) will continue to rise.
More than 60% of U.S. adults will have some type of CVD by 2050, according to forecasted projections from the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. Additionally, total costs related to CVD are expected to nearly triple in that time to more than $1.8 trillion.
The increase will be driven by an older, more diverse population, but these risk factors are rising even among children and adults.
“We recognize the landscape of cardiovascular health will change over the next three decades because of the coming tsunami of rising health care costs, an older population living longer and increasing numbers of people from underresourced populations,” said American Heart Association volunteer Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA. “Yet these are still leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.”
While continued systematic changes are needed in science, policy and health care, the majority of CVD is preventable at an individual level. You can help turn the tide on the dire outlook of CVD while improving your own health by following and encouraging others to follow the American Heart Association’s ”Life’s Essential 8.”
Eat better. Aim for an overall healthy eating pattern including whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds and cooking with olive and canola oils.
Be active. Adults should get 2 1/2 hours
of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. Kids should have 60 minutes every day, including play and structured activities.
Quit tobacco. Use of inhaled nicotine delivery products, which includes traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and vaping, is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.
Get healthy sleep. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Children require 10-16 hours for ages 5 and younger, including naps; 9-12 hours for ages 6-12; and 8-10 hours for ages 13-18.
Manage weight. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight has many benefits. Body mass index is a useful gauge. Optimal BMI is less than 25, but less than 18.5 is considered underweight. You can calculate it online or consult a health care professional.
Control cholesterol. High levels of nonHDL, or “bad,” cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Your health care professional can consider non-HDL cholesterol as the preferred number to monitor, rather than total cholesterol, because it can be measured without fasting beforehand and is reliably calculated among all people.
Manage blood sugar. Most of the food you eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) your body uses as energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Manage blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure within acceptable ranges can keep you healthier longer. Levels less than 120/80 mm Hg are optimal. High blood pressure is defined as 130-139 mm Hg systolic pressure (the top number in a reading) or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic pressure (bottom number).
Find more ways to manage your health in the new year and beyond at heart.org.
Photos of Anjanae (Credit: NCMEC)
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 16-year-old, Anjanae Hunter. Anjanae went missing from her home in Lansing, Illinois, on October 26, 2024. Authorities believe that she is in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Anjanae is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 105 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. If you have any information about Anjanae or her disappearance, please contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Lansing Police Department (Illinois) at 1-708-895-7150. Lansing
Manger Scene at Claretian Monestery on Ridge in Munster. Friday December 27, 2024.
Precious picture of my late son Spencer Leigh Minton jr and his great granddaughter Sydney Leigh Minton 3. Many Blessings this Christmas season. And a very Happy New Year 2025!
St Margaret Hospital still coming down. It has been gutted as of December 25, 2024 and is being carted away in pieces. A sad ending for a hospital that served over 140 years since its inception.
Fr David Simonetti and 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico enjoying a Christmas dinner at Steve’s Lounge in Hegewisch.
Fr David Simonetti, pastor of St Florian Parish in Hegewisch prepares to say a blessing over the upcoming holiday luncheon.
Fr David Simonetti along with Jamie Tarrant Swain and Mrs Lopez in front of the table of pictures of our departed loved ones on All Souls Day At St Florian Church in Hegewisch.
Pasta Saturday February 1, 2024. From 5 pm to 7 pm. Menu includes pasta with meat sauce, salad, Italian bread and butter, beverage and dessert. $10 per person in the St Florian gym. Mangia!
Classifieds
Services
AC/HEATING
SERVICES: Summer
Special! Furnaces or A/C’s , Clean & check $59.95. Furnaces, A/C’s, Boilers, water heaters, sump pumps, humidifiers, installations, repairs, furnaces installed from $1495.00 R/D Heating & Cooling. IL. and IN. 219-616-3281
SMITH PAINTING 30
YRS EXP FREE
ESTIMATES Mention Sherry, get 5%off job. Call Mike 2197429867
JUNK REMOVAL Time to make space! Cleanouts (garage attic, basement, shed). Hauling away appliances, furniture, trash. WE RECYCLE! Call ‘til 8pm. 708-898-8668
CAR / TRUCK
TROUBLE?
Vehicle shopping? Onlocation diagnosis: Will find needed repairs / maintenance. Uncertain of mechanic estimate? 32 years exper. Any day! 708-898-8668
Wanted
Looking for room to rent with own bathroom. NW Indiana/Lansing area. Elderly care experience. 40+ Non-drinking/smoking male w/ maintnenance skills. Prefer kitchenette & garage space. 708-898-8668
Looking for all running Stihl Lawn Equiptment, Weed Wackers, Chainsaws, Blowers, Edgers. Also 20-24” Lawn Mowers. Call Robb - 219-743-4685
Used or new musical instruments for a local school that does not have a music program. Students need arts like music to appreciate its many benefits. Please donate your working instruments. We need oboes, saxophones, double French horns, trumpets, flutes, clarinets, upright bass, and percussions. (219) 680-7215
WANTED: OLD BEER CANS AND POP CANS.
Single cans or whole collections.Also, beer signs, trays, other misc. vintage beer/tavern items.Cash paid. 219-730-9624
Need cleaning woman (or man) for doors, baseboards and exterior of kitchen cabinets; also vacuuming carpets. (708) 895-2647
In need individual looking for older model car donation or under $1000 708-341-3106
Single, childless, and disabled, female is in need of a smoke free and quiet room. Anyone interested in helping financially or with a bed? Not interested in drama, or sexual favors!! I”m trying to pay off debts and pay for my monthly expenses. I will not bring over family/friends. Thanks. Text/call 312.736.2037
WANTED DEGAN OR MUSSER VIBRAPHONE CALL 219-801-0955
WANTED - As many can of salmon fish as you have. 219-801-0955
WANTED - Thick rubber roll roof for (4) car garage. 219-801-0955 IN DESPARATE NEED SMALL CAR FOR 80 YEAR OLDECONOMICAL CAR CAN BE DAMAGED IF RUNNING FOR LOW INCOME SR. CITIZ. Does not have to pass emission test if the price is right - Call 219-801-0955
WANTED: 1972 & OLDER CARS & TRUCKS, PARTS, RUNNING OR NOT (and parts) unfinished project and 67-69 Camaros. 708-439-9770
WANTED - GARAGE TO STORE MY OLD DODGE CAR. Could use 1 or 2 Stall Garage. Prefer the Lansing area. Call James between 9am and 9pm, 708-460-8308
IN SEARCH OF OLDER COBRA CB RADIO BASE STATIONS & ACCESSORIES let me know what you have. Dan 312-720-0844
SENIOR LOOKING TO RENT 2 OR 3 BEDROOM HOUSE WITH GARAGE. Have Sect. 8, also have 24hr caregiver. Looking in Lansing, Calumet City, South Holland, or Thornton ASAP. Call 815-263-0490. Ask for Carol
WANTED: Electric chainsaws and as many chains as you have. Exterior Brown Paint. 219-801-0955 For Sale
1 GE electric stainless steel double oven, 1 Amana electric glass cooktop, both are in excellent condition. $600 for both or available separately. Best offer considered. 5 foot long, 30 inches high all glass jewelry case with light, $100 or best offer. NordiTrack treadmill in great shape, $150 or best offer. For more information, call 708-536-3228.
1960s Gilbert American Flyer Train Set All Aboard Pioneer 600 Model 6 square interlocking panels with rails mounted 5 unit train, buildings, landscape,transformer. box is rough $80 Dan 312-7200844
Lighted Christmas Tree. Seven feet, six inches tall. On/Off foot pedal.Great condition. $40 Call or text 708-673-9361
Ceramic X-mas Houses, Water Fountain in box, Tools, Conduit, Bread Machine, Turkey Frier, G. Forman Grill, X-large Towels, Golf Clubs/Shoes/ Balls, Cheap 708-877-6088
DUCKS ARE STARTING TO FLY. I have mallard decoys in good condition. 35$ a dozen. 7088953767
Trailer hitch Curt 13146 with plug & play wiring harness. Honda Pilot 201622/Acura MDX 2014-20. $150 used708 955 4890
Modern Medical Counselor, book, guide to health, 1943...$25.00... Queen mattress , box spring., guest room,.. like new . $125.00. 708-6454245
Emerson stereophonic phonograph ( record player) used lightly in original box late 1970s model $30. 312-720-0844
Late 1960s Gilbert American Flyer All Aboard Pioneer 600 train set 6 scenic panel 5 unit train original box is rough nearly all pieces inside $100. 312-720-0844
100 yr old Singer Pedal Sewing MachineAntique Croquet Set with all piecesAntique Royal Typewriter with stand$100 each or best offer Lansing Illinois - 630-697-0188
Pyrex Bowls and Bakeware $3-$5 a Piece; Champagne and Wine Glasses (Crystal) $2 ea; Crystal Wine, Liquor Decanters $15-$25; “Johnson’s Bros.” White English Ironstone Set of Dishes (64 pc.) $40 or OBO. Vintage Madame Alexander doll, “Degas” girl #1575 in original box, wrist tag and stand, $45. 708-481-6907
FOR SALE: Schwinn
Men’s 26” Jaguar bike, as is. $100.00. 219-8366104.
Fisher-Price Power Wheels
Barbie Jeep. In original box. Excellent condition. Needs battery and charger. $50 Call or text 708-6739361
Manual push lawn mower. Excellent condition. $35 Call or text 708-673-9361
Exercise Bike Pro Form
Model GR 75 $60 OBO; Drill Press Bench Mount Wards Powercraft $60 OBO; Trailer Winch Fulton Model 511 1600 LBS capacity $20 OBO; Rare R-12 Freo $30 ea; Greenlee Slug Buster, Have Two Kits Model 7235 BB and 7237 BB $100. BOth OBO; Industrial Heat Gun HG301A $25 OBO; Copper Sulfate Root Killer for Sewer Lines have several bottles, $5 each; A&W Dog and Suds Root Beer Mugs, $5 each OBO; House Box Fans $10 ea. OBO. 708-837-9814
Radio Flyer Red Wagon for 2 Comes with Seatbelts and 4 Cup Holders. Hauling Capacity 200 lbs. Gently used $40. Twin Size Bed Sheets $1 each; Twin Size Duvet Covers $5 ea. Call 708-481-6907
Ethan Allen Wingback Chair - $70; Hardwood Kitchen Chairs (Windsor Type) $30; Heavy duty universal bed frame, $15. Stiffel brass table lamps, $25-$35 each. Assorted lamp shades, $5-$10ea; Occasional Squire 26” dark wood 2 tier table. $50; Assorted Luggage, $5-$10 each; Kitchen Cabinet 33.5”h x 16.5”w x 18”d with 1 door (3 shelves inside);$30 OBO; Stainless Steel, Almost new, Whirlpool Over the Stove Microwave, $50. 708-4816907
Ottoman (footstool) $25; Small Kitchen Appliances (Juicers, Toasters, Rice Cooker, 5 Speed Mixer, Coffee Grinder, etc) from $5-$10; “Johnson’s Bros.” White English Ironstone Set of Dishes (64 pc.) $40 or OBO; 708-481-6907
New Electric Coffee Maker w/2 Stainless Steel Travel Cups. Still in box $20.00Call 708-474-9568
Estate Sale, Shark Navigator Vacuum, anti-allergen, pet plus, more suction/lighter, New, Boxed, $159.00,,cash, originally $259.00 708-645-4245
Queen mattress/box spring ..guest room.. like new ..$125.00 , West Bend electric stainless wok, w/ accessories, used once. $25.00 708-645-4245
Set of Rugs $20 - and a cargo liner $30 for Subaru. (708) 895-2647
Christmas tree 5 foot pre lit full plus ornaments and storage bag 150.00 call 219 663 8544
New Power Air Fryer Pro all attachments and cook books 65.00 call 219 663 8544
Large heavy concrete bird bath, good condition. $60.00; Metal commercial clothing rack on wheels 64 in long x 61 in high$75.00; Senior bath/shower chair like new $45.00; Shop vac 5 HP includes manual and 2 attchmts$50.00; Stihl backpack blower - runs well, no manual. $325.00 private owner; Echo handheld leaf blower, runs good, includes user manual $150.00 219-218-6466
Ladies winter coat, wool, boucle, camel shade, large mink collar, medium ... excellent condition..$75.00..official Chicago Bears glasses...8/$20.00 708645-4245
2 Broyhill end tables with drawer and lower cabinet 25” high x 26” wide x 28” deep. Good condition Pickup in St.John, IN 219-308-5442
Cabbage Patch Doll 1992 Tenth Anniversary Zora Mae numbered new in box ( box has some dents rips) never played with smoke free home. Can provide pics on request ! $75 312-720-0844
Size 10.5 Brown LaCoste Hiking Boots w/ Steeel Toe, New in Box, Paid $65, Asking $40 OBO. Call 312-203-41-67 ask for Tony!
Blaupunkt antique stereo and turntable with centerpiece. $125.00, email at Patc96259@gmail.com
4 chairs wrought iron all black and table wrought iron.$125.00 email to Patc96259@gmail.com
Leaf Blower-700 Rake O-Vac-like new $25, Miscelaneous movice cameras, projectors and tripod--Best Offer! Office Chair New--In BoxModway EEI-757 $95. Matching Buffet Lamps --New $20. Tomato Grinder Antique -$ 15. Sausage Grinder Antique-$15. Beleek China Plate--New in Box $20 708-448-5672
Small Shovel, 5” Steel Blade for kids or Adults, new, $6; 3 ft. Weed Wacker, double cutting blade, $10; Alum. Scoop shovel, USA Made, new, $39; Steel Scoop HD Shovel, very old, $15; Timex 7” Wall Thermometer, new $4. 708-460-8303
Nordic Track Pro, excellent like new condition $100 708-8914798
Full size bed with mattress, box spring and frame $100, 4 drawer dresser $25, Drive extra large size manual wheelchair with pad never been used $100. Please contact Vicki at 708 634-9464. Leave message on voicemail I will return you’re call.. Snow season!! MTD Pro snow blower. 21’ swath, electric start. Runs great! $75.00708-895-3767
Lansing
Full length mink coat, medium, older , good condition $150.00. Red wool blazer, size medium/ petite, Nordstroms, new, $29.00. 708-645-4245
Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936 Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs.
Words to Keep You Motivated
by Janice R Newman
As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to make resolutions and commitments that align with our goals. This is a season for planning the future and making meaningful changes in our lives—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. By doing so, we can become better people and live fuller, more productive, and happier lives. To help us on this journey, over the next 26 weeks, we’ll explore motivational and inspiring words, focusing on one letter of the alphabet each week. These words will guide us as we work toward becoming the extraordinary individuals we are meant to be.
The power of words combined with action, focus, and determination can contribute to a 180 degree change in your life. Motivational and inspiring words can spark positive change. By focusing on improvement tips and becoming more productive, we can elevate our lives in meaningful ways. Working on these words weekly provides clarity, motivation, and a sense of purpose. Words like accountability remind us to stay honest and consistent, while action encourages us to move forward with courage. When we use focus and determination alongside these words, drastic changes can occur. For example, focusing on small, achievable steps and staying determined even when obstacles arise can lead to breakthroughs in health, relationships, and career goals. Determination helps us stay the course, and focus ensures our energy is
directed toward what truly matters.
I challenge you to join me on this 26week journey. Each week, apply the highlighted words to your daily life and track your progress. By the end of this journey, reflect on the changes you’ve experienced and how these words have helped you grow. As we continue through the alphabet, each letter will bring new words to inspire and uplift you. Next week, we’ll explore words that begin with the letter “A” and focus on accountability, acceptance, action, and ambition. Next week, let’s dive into how these powerful words can help us achieve our goals and transform our lives.
Let’s commit to this 26 week journey and use these powerful words to guide us toward becoming the best versions of ourselves. In the process, we will work on the new letter words while building on the previous weeks to continually utilize the lessons learned.
Reading or studying the words is only part of the process. We must apply and work on them. The bible reminds us in Psalm 90:17: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” With faith, focus, and these motivating words, the year ahead is filled with potential and promise to becoming the new you. Y? Why Not!
Like us on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/ywhynotshow/
Illinois’ minimum wage to increase to $15 on Jan. 1, completing 6-year transition
The minimum wage in Illinois will increase to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, completing a six-year transition period since the increase was approved in 2019.
Beginning New Year’s Day, Illinois workers making minimum wage will see wages rise by $1 and tipped workers will see their paychecks bump to $9 an hour. Youth workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours a year will have a $13 minimum wage.
The final increase, ending a six-year ramp which began with the minimum wage rising from $8.25 to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2020, puts a bow on Gov. JB Pritzker’s first major legislative victory. He signed the wage increase in February 2019 about a month after being sworn in for his first term, checking off a top campaign promise.
“Since day one of my administration, I’ve made it my mission to build an economy that works for everyone and raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour fulfills that promise to our working families,” Pritzker said in a statement. “This increase honors the workers who power our state and ensures they can better support their families, bringing us closer to a stronger, more equitable economy for all.”
Illinois will be one of 10 states with a minimum wage of $15 or greater, according to the National Employment Law Project. Twenty-two other states are also increasing their wages on Jan. 1.
The minimum wage increase is one of many economic changes that have happened since 2019, including effects of the pandemic, Illinois Chamber of Commerce CEO Lou Sandoval told Capitol News Illinois. He said those have caused businesses to adjust their operations in a variety of ways, such as increasing automation.
“I think you’re starting to see businesses pivot in terms of how they’re adjusting,” Sandoval said. “You’re seeing this at the national chains.” Some restaurants, for example, are “moving away from larger sit-down areas into grab-and-go.”
Illinois job growth has been slow since October 2019, according to a November report by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. The state has seen a net increase of 28,700 jobs from October 2019 through October 2024. That’s a growth rate of 0.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.9%.
The rate of new job postings by businesses at the beginning of the year will shed some light on how the jump to $15 on Jan. 1 is impacting business operations, Sandoval said.
To help small businesses with the change, the state provides a tax credit through 2027 to businesses with 50 or fewer employees for wages paid to minimum-wage workers.
The 2019 minimum wage law marked the first increase since the wage hit $8.25 in 2010. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Westchester, introduced a bill to raise it to $15 an hour in 2017 that was passed by the General Assembly and vetoed by Republican Gov.
Bruce Rauner. Lightford sponsored the initiative again in 2019.
“As a state, we have helped countless workers make ends meet, reduce financial stress, and provide a more solid foundation for their futures,” Lightford said in a statement. “The $15 minimum wage is a testament to our commitment to economic justice and our belief that everyone who works full time deserves a living wage.”
The value of a $15 minimum wage, however, has changed since lawmakers acted in 2019. A person making $8.25 in February 2019 would need to earn $10.30 today to have the same buying power after inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index. A $15 hourly wage today has the buying power that $12.02 had in February 2019. A person would need to make an $18.72 wage today to have the same buying power that $15 had in February 2019. Top Democrats didn’t say if they will push for new increases.
“As a Senator of 25 years, history has shown my commitment of fighting to ensure workers are paid a living wage. That commitment still holds strong today,” Lightford said in an email statement.
Pritzker said he supports ideas that will help workers make more money, but didn’t commit to supporting any plan to raise the minimum wage further when pressed about it at a news conference Dec. 11.
“We always are thinking about how do you balance the need for higher wages with the needs that businesses have to hire people and do it affordably. But I think we did it the right way when we did it back in 2019,” Pritzker said.
The new $15 wage equates to a 40-hourper-week annual salary of $31,200 before taxes. That equals the federal government’s poverty level for a four-person household. The poverty level is $15,060 in a singleperson household.
But according to calculations in a national project by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, $15 hourly still doesn’t equate to a “living” wage in Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau cost of living and other cost estimates provided by federal agencies adjusted for inflation.
A single adult with no children needs a $22.86 hourly salary to make a living wage in Illinois, while a two-parent household with two working adults and three children would each need to earn $31.69. In a two-parent household with one working adult and one child, the worker needs $36.49 to make a living wage, according to the MIT project.
Inflation is making it hard for workers to benefit from wage increases, Sandoval said, adding rising wages also cause businesses to raise prices.
“They might get the wage increase on one side, but their cost of living goes up accordingly,” Sandoval said.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Rocky Mountain High Medical Bill
WOODROW WILCOX
On December 17, 2024, a client and her husband were in my office when we got the news that her medical bill problem would be fixed and that she would get money back from her insurance company. She was happy.
The couple has traveled to Colorado for her high school reunion. While at 10,000 feet above sea level, she developed a medical problem and had to rush to a hospital. While being seen at the first hospital, the power for that hospital was lost and the hospital was dark until a generator started providing power.
The staff at the first hospital called other hospitals for four hours to find our client a hospital to which she could be transported for service – two hours away.
The hospitals and doctors did their jobs. The patient did her portion. But Medicare failed to send all the official Medicare claims reports to our client’s Medicare supplement insurance company. Without the complete report,
her insurance company could not pay its portion of the bill. Our client ended with a bill for over a $1,600 balance to pay. She started paying it with $250. Then, her insurance agent told to her stop paying and go see me. I saved her over $1,600.
All the work I did to help this client was FREE OF CHARGE. This insurance agency helps all our clients with such medical bill problems WITHOUT CHARGE. If your insurance agent or agency does not give this high level of customer service, why don’t you switch to a firm that does? This one does.
Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville, Indiana. He has saved clients of that firm OVER THREE MILLION DOLLARS by fighting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare medical billing system. Also, Wilcox wrote the book SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$ which can be ordered through book stores or online.
MAAC Foundation Celebrates 31
New Fire Academy Graduates
In partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation is proud to announce the graduation of our latest Fire Academy. The ceremony was held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 6:00 PM CST at the Heroes’ Hangout building on the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus.
The 31 graduates represent Highland, Griffith, Ogden Dunes, South Haven, Valparaiso, Dyer, Boone Grove, Munster, Center Township, Lake of the Four Seasons, Beverly Shores, St. John, Liberty Township, Kingsbury, Portage, Keener Township, and Porter Fire Departments. These recruits have completed a rigorous 11-week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations, and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills. They have also learned about the importance of community service and public education.
“We are excited to welcome these 31 new firefighters into the first responder community,” said Celina Weatherwax, President and CEO of the MAAC Foundation. “Their steadfast dedication and commitment to serving as first responders embody the resilience and compassion that define our community values. With their addition, we expect a significant and positive impact across the communities they serve.”
“From day one of training to graduation, these individuals have shown dedication, discipline, and determination,” said Chief Robert Grady. “Each graduate embodies the spirit of service and excellence in our firefighting community. It’s been an honor to guide them, and I’m confident they’ll excel in firefighting and beyond. Congratulations to our newest firefighters—I look forward to the positive impact you’ll make.”
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs January 1 through March 31 of each year. During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period you can:
• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Return to Original Medicare.
• Add a standalone Part D Plan, but only if you dropped your Medicare Advantage Plan and returned to Original Medicare.
To change your drug coverage during this period, you must disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and join a different Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage or Original Medicare with a stand-alone Part D plan.
Changes made during the Medicare Advantage OEP will take effect the first of the month following the month you enroll. If you want to keep your Medicare Advantage Plan, you should not use the MA OEP to change drug coverage.
Keep in mind, if you go back to Original Medicare now, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy without being underwritten. This means you could pay higher premiums and have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions or be denied coverage.
The Medicare Plan Finder can help you find, compare, and enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan, www.medicare. gov/plan-compare.
SHIP has more than 75 sites throughout Indiana. Look for a SHIP site near you at www.in.gov/ship/find - anindiana- ship -location/. Our counselors can assist you in person, by phone, or virtually. SHIP offers presentations and educational events throughout Indiana. Check out our list of state-wide events at ww.in.gov/ship/shippresentations -and- events/. You can also contact our Helpline at (800) 452-4800. Follow SHIP on social media for informative Medicare related videos, updates, and announcements. Find us on Facebook , Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube .
Budget pressures could impact K-12 funding
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
Public schools in Illinois have enjoyed several consecutive years of substantial increases in state funding, thanks largely to steady growth in state revenues and a new funding formula that lawmakers approved in 2018.
The names of the graduates and their fire departments are as follows:
• STEWART ANDERKO, HIGHLAND
• NOAH ANGEL, GRIFFITH
• EDWIN AVILES, OGDEN DUNES
• OLIVIA BAILEY, SOUTH HAVEN
• DAKOTA BLOHM, VALPARAISO
• CHASE CHMIELEWSKI, DYER
• HANNAH COKER, SOUTH HAVEN
• JOSEPH DAVULIS, BOONE GROVE
• JACK FUGGER, MUNSTER
• COLLIN GILCHRIST, CENTER TWP
• TIMOTHY GONZALES, GRIFFITH
• DAVINA GREGORI, LAKE OF THE FOUR SEASONS
• TIFFANY HAYNES, SOUTH HAVEN
• ANDREW HIMAN, BEVERLY SHORES
• MATTHEW HRADEK, OGDEN DUNES
• ALFONSO IBARRA, DYER
• AIDEN KLUTH, DYER
• ZACHARY KOWAL, SOUTH HAVEN
• MAXWELL KURTZ, OGDEN DUNES
• CLAYTON LEMBCKE, SOUTH HAVEN
• CAMERON LITTLE, ST. JOHN
• COREY MCNULTY, LIBERTY TWP
• JULIAN MOLINA, GRIFFITH
• DAVID MUELLER, MUNSTER
• KYLER PALMER, LAKE OF THE FOUR SEASONS
• JOSHUA ROBBINS, MUNSTER
• TYLER SEXTON, KINGSBURY
• JULIA SIMITION, PORTAGE
• MADELYN STEPHENS, KEENER TWP
• AUSTIN TRZEPACZ, PORTER
• JOSHUA WARN, DYER
About the MAAC Foundation: The MAAC Foundation, First Responder Training Campus is transforming the landscape of First Responder training across Northwest Indiana, the state, and the country. With a comprehensive, inclusive campus, they provide access for all First Responders - EMT personnel, firefighters, lawenforcement officers, and K9 officers - to train at their state-of-theart facility at no cost. The MAAC is a top provider of safety, emergency preparedness, and response training with more than 15 buildings, such as classroom space, residential structures, a live burn building, a flashover chamber, and a 4-story tower. Additionally, the facility boasts over 40 tactical props spread across 30+ acres. For more information about the MAAC Foundation and how to help make a safer community as a first responder or community member, visit www.maacfoundation.org to learn about our services or volunteer.
But whether that can continue into the upcoming fiscal year is an open question that state lawmakers will have to face when they return to the Statehouse in January.
With budget forecasters predicting flat revenue growth over the next year and continued demands for increased spending in other areas of the budget such as pension costs and health care, members of the Illinois State Board of Education were told Wednesday that they are now in a different fiscal environment.
“I do not envy anybody involved in that process because it won’t be a fun time,” Eric Noggle, revenue manager of the legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, or COGFA, told the board.
COGFA is a nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the General Assembly. It operates independently of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, or GOMB, although the two agencies are often in agreement in their general findings and analysis.
In November, GOMB issued a report projecting a $3.2 billion deficit in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2025. That was based on projections of essentially flat revenue growth of about $53.4 billion, and a 6% increase in spending due to statutorily required increases in things like pension contributions, Medicaid and state employee health care costs, and PreK-12 education.
In the current fiscal year, state spending on public schools totals just under $11 billion, or about 20% of the state’s $53 billion General Revenue Fund Budget.
Two factors are primarily responsible for the demand for increased state spending on schools. One is the 2018 funding formula, known as the Evidence-Based Funding model, that calls for annual increases of at least $350 million.
That law sets out a formula for determining what would be an “adequate” level of funding for each district based on factors such as total student enrollment, poverty rates, and the number of English language learners in the district. The adequacy target includes both state aid and money the district is able to raise on its own through local property taxes.
The law then directs that the new money each year be sent to districts that are furthest away from their adequacy target. The annual funding increases are supposed to continue until all districts reach at least 90% of their adequacy target.
But some advocates argue the state needs to
increase its evidence-based funding by more than the minimum $350 million each year.
“One thing that we know is that three out of four children in Illinois are still in underfunded districts. That’s more than 1 million students,” Jelani Saadiq, director of government relations for the advocacy group Advance Illinois, told the board during the public comment portion of its meeting Wednesday. “The latest school report card shows continued challenges with chronic absenteeism and lagging recovery in math. We need to set our schools up for success in addressing these challenges in the absence of federal stimulus funds by doubling down on our EBF investment moving forward.”
The other factor driving increases in public school spending is known as “mandatory categorical” spending, or MCAT, which includes such things as transportation costs, the state’s free breakfast and lunch program and the cost of educating children in foster care.
Andy Krupin, ISBE’s director of funding and disbursements, explained that the state often does not fully fund MCAT expenses and thus “prorates” the amount it reimburses districts for those expenses. The level of proration varies depending on how much the General Assembly appropriates in each category.
Based on the agency’s estimate of next year’s costs, Krupin said, the General Assembly would need to add another $142.2 million to its PreK-12 budget just to maintain the same level of proration as this year.
Combined with the $350 million increase called for under the EBF formula, that would be a total increase in PreK-12 spending of $492.2 million next year.
But ISBE has received requests for even more funding increases than that. During a series of public hearings on the budget in October, officials said, the agency heard numerous proposals adding up to about $2.2 billion in funding increase requests. Those included proposals for a $550 million increase in EBF funding and a $10 million increase in career and technical education funding, among other requests.
GOMB’s projection of a $3.2 billion deficit assumed a $444 million increase in school spending, as well as a $1.1 billion increase in health care expenses and a $437 million increase in pension contributions, among other increases.
State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders is scheduled to submit his final budget proposal to the board for approval at the board’s Jan. 15 meeting. Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his budget address to the General Assembly Feb. 19.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Thirty-one firefighters, who graduated from the fire academy, are pictured here.
