SPRINGFIELD — A new initiative by State Senator Mike Porfirio could improve safety for thousands of first responders across Illinois, following the tragic passing of Andrew Price, a Chicago firefighter who fell through a light shaft while fearlessly suppressing a fire on the roof of a restaurant.

“First responders like Andrew risk their lives for us every day,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We owe it to him and all those who serve us to take any steps we can to improve their safety.”

BURBANK — According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 162 Illinois veterans died by suicide in 2022. As the newly appointed chair of the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council, State Senator Mike Porfirio is committed to leading the charge to lower this number.

“Suicide among veterans is a national emergency, and I am committed to advancing efforts toward breakthrough therapies,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “As a fellow veteran, I am honored to be appointed as a representative of the community and am eager to get started on the work to identify innovative therapies to address the veteran suicide crisis.”

SPRINGFIELD — In addition to his role as chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, State Senator Mike Porfirio will serve as a member on Senate committees for Transportation, Labor, Education, Higher Education and Appropriations for Public Safety and Infrastructure for the 104^th General Assembly.

“As a lifelong resident of the 11^th District, I speak with members of my community every day,” said Porfirio (D- Lyons Township). “I am confident my committee assignments will put me in a position to best represent my community and the issues important to them.”

Porfirio will expand his role in the Senate Transportation Committee as vice chair. The 11^th Senate District is a hub for transportation and labor, holding Midway Airport, CSX Transportation and the headquarters of Belt Railway Company of Chicago.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio is backing House Bill 2723, introduced by State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, which would lift state pension investment restrictions placed on companies engaged in boycotts of Israel. Porfirio plans to file a bill in the Illinois Senate with identical language this week.

“Public pension funds should prioritize fiscal responsibility,” said Porfirio (D- Lyons Township).