Porfirio law to notify potential renters of flood risks

SPRINGFIELD – Significant flooding hit Cook County in the wake of historic storms last summer, leaving numerous properties with immense damage and leading President Joe Biden to approve a federal disaster declaration for the area. In response, State Senator Mike Porfirio championed a new law to address future flooding concerns by giving renters the right to receive critical information about a property’s flooding history before they sign their lease.

“Protecting our residents from the dangers of flooding starts with providing them with essential information,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This law safeguards our communities by requiring property owners to disclose flood risks, which will help tenants avoid hazardous living conditions and protect their wellbeing.”

Berwyn and Cicero received nearly nine inches of rain in a matter of hours from a storm on July 2 last summer, causing extensive damage to residential and commercial properties and requiring costly repairs. Illinois becomes the eighth state to require disclosure of flood risk to renters. Through the new law, potential tenants will be equipped with essential information about flood risks before renting property, fostering a fair and informed rental market.

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Porfirio: Our service members deserve every chance to succeed

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the National Guard and Reserve who are college or university students will soon be able to make up coursework they missed due to military obligations, thanks to a new law State Senator Mike Porfirio spearheaded through the General Assembly.

“This new law ensures our National Guard and Reserve members can fulfill their military duties without jeopardizing their academic progress,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This is a vital step in supporting their dual commitment to both education and service.”

According to Student Veterans of America, around 16% of military students are members of the Reserve or National Guard. The new law ensures fair treatment for these students by requiring public colleges and universities in Illinois to enact policies allowing students to complete missed classwork and assignments if the reason for the student’s absence was to fulfill military obligations. 

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Porfirio measure enhancing transparency for veterans, service members’ benefits becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and service members across the state will soon have enhanced benefits knowledge, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“This law ensures our veterans have easy access to critical information, helping them fully utilize the support they’ve earned through their service,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “In making this information more accessible, we are empowering veterans to take full advantage of the resources they deserve while reflecting our deep gratitude to those who have served our nation.”

Porfirio’s law requires the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to produce and distribute a comprehensive benefits, services and protections poster. Through the new law, veterans and service members will have streamlined access to information about critical resources — such as tax benefits and the Illinois veteran driver’s license — that will empower them to navigate the complexities of their available support systems effectively. The law centralizes essential information in one accessible format, helping to facilitate informed decision-making.

House Bill 4757 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect on Jan. 1.

Porfirio announces over $59 million road improvement plan for 11th District

• Rebuild Illinois
• MYP

BURBANK – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Mike Porfirio, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $59 million in road and bridge improvement projects throughout the 11^th Senate District.

“Our infrastructure is the backbone of our economy,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “With this investment, we can address long-overdue repairs and upgrades and provide a solid foundation of roads and walkways for future generations to use.” 

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Porfirio represents will see 19 infrastructure projects totaling more than $59 million next year.

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