SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio passed a measure through the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday that would expand the Residential Sound Insulation Program Advisory Committee by two members.

“It’s important to have all voices heard when it comes to issues like aviation noise and pollution,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “By adding additional members to this committee, our goal is to ensure that all affected areas have representation.”

Currently, municipalities can establish Residential Sound Insulation Programs to mitigate the impacts of aircraft noise and pollution on neighboring homes by replacing residential windows and monitoring the off-gassing of those replacements. At least 10% of window replacements must go to homes that are considered in extreme hardship.

The committee is comprised of nine members who monitor the various municipal programs who have the authority to determine which homes contain windows or doors that cause offensive odors and are thus eligible for replacement.

“If you live near an airport, such as Midway in my district, the constant airplane noises can be extremely disruptive to daily life,” said Porfirio. “As a member of this committee, I want to ensure that my constituents and all Illinoisans will have the most experienced people to represent them and offer advice on how to create effective solutions.”

House Bill 3722 passed the Senate Local Government Committee and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide greater protections for military service members who are survivors of sexual misconduct, State Senator Mike Porfirio, a Navy Veteran, and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, a Marine Corps Veteran, are fighting to move legislation to the governor’s desk.

“Survivors of sexual assault must receive all the protections they deserve,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Service members sacrifice their lives for the protection of our country, the least we can do is ensure that they are protected as well.”

The proposal ensures that Illinois National Guard and reserve military service members who are survivors of non-consensual sexual conduct and have received a military protective order are also protected under the state’s civil no contact and stalking no contact orders.

“Military sexual assault is a real problem that can have long-term safety risks and consequences for victims,” Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) said. “I have been focused on aligning our laws to ensure that survivors receive the protections they deserve, not just from a military judge, but from the state they live in as well.”

In 2022, close to 36,000 service members reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact. Broken down further, the numbers equate to 8.4% of women at nearly 16,000 service members and 1.5% of men at nearly 15,000 service members. Porfirio’s measure would align Illinois laws to ensure that survivors receive protection from both the military and the state.

“Service members who have tragically dealt with unwanted and unwarranted advances deserve the peace of mind that the state will protect them,” said Porfirio. “Everyone deserves to be protected, including those who protect us abroad.”

House Bill 3103 will now move to the Senate Floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio was appointed to the Residential Sound Insulation Program Advisory Committee this week, which is focused on improving policies that reduce noise exposure and continuing insulation of nearby residential areas.

“If you live near an airport, such as Midway like in my district, you know how disruptive the constant airplane noises can be,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “As a member of this committee, I want to highlight the importance of ensuring home life is not interrupted by noise from the airport.”

Chicago Midway International Airport currently has five runways, and nearby homeowners have raised concerns over the years on the impact of flight traffic noise on these residential areas.

In the last decade, nearly 10,175 homes near Midway have been insulated through the Residential Sound Insulation Program. Additionally, since 1991 insulation has been installed at 41 schools near Midway through the School Sound Insulation Program.

“While there is a significant amount of flight activity in my district, our job in the committee will be to minimize aircraft noise exposure while still continuing airport operations to the fullest extent,” said Porfirio. “It is inevitable that there will be noise exposure to residential areas nearby, but it is not impossible to reduce it and figure out what will work best for our communities.”

Porfirio was appointed to the advisory committee by Senate President Don Harmon.

SPRINGFIELD – Military service members and the Department of Revenue will see improvements when it comes to requesting and processing sales tax exemptions, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio that passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Our service men and women in Illinois have made great sacrifices,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Taking the time to look at how processes can be improved to help them accomplish what they need to do is one small way we can show appreciation.”

Senate Bill 1705 would eliminate the need for sales tax exemption certificates by members of the military. Instead, when making an exempt purchase, a service member can present a valid military ID and a form of payment where the military organization is the payor, as well as complete a form by the Department of Revenue.

Currently, the process to receive such exemption requires a single-use sales tax exemption certificate. This has caused the Department of Revenue's exemption certificate system to become cluttered, with military members frequently applying for certificates as they relocate. Additionally, military members often require an exemption certificate on short notice, leading to delays in the Department's processing and mailing of certificates.

“This bill will benefit the Department of Revenue by lessening their administrative burden, as well as military members in Illinois who will no longer have to take time acquiring single-use certificates,” said Porfirio. “Streamlining this process is common sense.”

Senate Bill 1705 passed the Senate and heads to the House for further consideration.