CHICAGO – Several pool opening this summer are in jeopardy due to a shortage in lifeguards, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt is calling for more lifeguards as well as increased resources for community aquatic programs.

“It’s officially summer time, it’s hot, and people want to be in the water. However, many pools are set to close if there are no lifeguards to guard them,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “Our communities have an urgent need for more lifeguards, or many will not be able to cope with this intense heat and enjoy time at the pool.”

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CHICAGO – For the first time since 2019, the number of sexual assault kits awaiting testing, also referred to as the DNA backlog, has been eliminated, announced State Senator Patricia Van Pelt.

After decades of extensive sexual assault forensic backlogs, the number of pending sexual assault forensic assignments older than 180 days, which was once more than 1,800, has reached zero.

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SPRINGFIELD – Building upon efforts to address maternal and infant mortality in the state of Illinois, the governor signed into law a measure led by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) to expand access to prenatal services.

“Maternal mortality is a serious matter both in our state, and across the country, especially for Black women,” Van Pelt said. “Making prenatal and perinatal services more accessible can set those expecting up for a healthy delivery.”

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