When an unfair labor practice charge is filed, workers rely on Illinois’ labor oversight boards to take timely action to protect their rights and help resolve issues related to unfair or unlawful practices.

To ensure workers do not wait in limbo to find out the future of their livelihood, State Senator Omar Aquino led a measure – signed into law Friday – to streamline the resolution process at worksites involved in these proceedings.

“The fight for workers’ rights has been a long, ongoing battle. It’s the reason we have paid time off, a work week and weekend, parental leave and safety in the workplace,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Most employers engage with labor unions lawfully, but when bad actors find new ways to twist the law and get around these hard-fought protections, we need to take action to cement these rights with a strong foundation that can continue to be built upon.”

A plan sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino to provide direct services and residency opportunities to international medical graduate physicians was signed into law Friday.

“The global pandemic exacerbated existing challenges for our health care industry, and right now we’re leaving talent on the table as we continue to face a shortage of providers across the nation,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Dedicating resources to help support immigrant inclusion in the professional sector while opening pathways for licensure will go a long way toward ensuring patients can get the care they need.”

The Migration Policy Institute recently found that, by 2030, Illinois’ workforce is on track to need 14,000 additional nurses, while an estimated 12,000 immigrants in the state who have health and medical degrees remain underemployed. In particular, the report found that the majority of Illinois residents whose talents are going unutilized are women, have international degrees in nursing and are naturalized U.S. citizens or green-card holders.

Parents and families in need of school supplies, health services, youth programs and other community resources are invited to attend State Senator Omar Aquino and State Representative Lilian Jiménez’s annual back-to-school health fair on Saturday, Aug. 10.

“In preparation for the beginning of the school year, access to resources like school supplies, school physicals and housing support are crucial, and our annual back-to-school fair brings these important services together in one accessible location to make it easier for parents to get ready for the new school year,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “I encourage all families to join us for this fun, free event.”

The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Prosser Career Academy, located at 2148 N. Long Ave. in Chicago. Food and refreshments will be provided while supplies last.

Los padres y las familias que necesitan útiles escolares, servicios de salud, programas para jóvenes y otros recursos de la comunidad están invitados a asistir a la feria anual de salud de regreso a la escuela del Senador Estatal Omar Aquino y la Representante Estatal Lilian Jiménez el sábado 10 de agosto.

“En la preparación para el inicio del año escolar, el acceso a recursos como útiles escolares, exámenes físicos escolares y apoyo a la vivienda son esenciales, y nuestra feria anual de regreso a la escuela reúne a estos importantes servicios en un lugar accesible para que sea más fácil para los padres a prepararse para el nuevo año escolar,” dijo Aquino (D-Chicago). “Animo a todas las familias a unirse a nosotros para este evento divertido y gratis.”

El evento se realizará el sábado 10 de agosto de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. en Prosser Career Academy, ubicado en 2148 N. Long Ave. en Chicago. Habrá comida y refrescos hasta agotar existencias.