SPRINGFIELD - New parents could get a break with the high price of diapers under a state law being proposed by Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago).

“Diapers have a sales tax that is way too high, it’s ridiculous that such an important item isn’t taxed the same as groceries or medicine,” Sandoval said.

Illinois currently has two sales tax rates; a general merchandise rate of 6.25 percent and a food and drug rate of 1 percent. Sandoval is pushing for diapers and wipes to be added to the 1 percent rather than the latter. Groceries, medicine, and certain other medical products are currently under the 1 percent tax rate.

“We just gave everyone a 25 percent tax break, it’s about time we gave single moms and working families a break too.  I care about the hard working families of Illinois especially the ones who struggle to buy basic necessities for their children, said Sandoval. “Every little bit helps.

”Of the base 6.25 percent, 5 percent goes to the state, 1 percent to the municipality where the purchase was made, and 0.25 percent goes to the county where the purchase was made. Under new legislation, all of the 1 percent would go the municipality wherethe sale was made.

Senate Bill 61 awaits debate in the Illinois Senate

Senate Transportation Committee Chair State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) voted recently on a measure aimed at providing a reasonable set of standards for commercial ridesharing companies, ensuring public safety and protecting Illinois citizens.

House Bill 4075, named the Ridesharing Arrangements and Consumer Protection Act, will require commercial ridesharing companies to have adequate insurance, contract with drivers who are appropriately licensed, use vehicles that are inspected for safety and serve customers with disabilities and in underserved communities.

“Companies like UberX, Lyft and Sidecar have recently entered Illinois communities to provide transportation services that have always required special licensure and strict compliance with local public safety rules,” Sandoval said. “Right now, these companies are providing thousands of rides a day without adequate insurance. It is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs and an innocent person is left without recourse.”

The Illinois General Assembly passed the Ridesharing Arrangements Act in 1983 to permit carpooling and other similar activities. The legislation was narrowly crafted to prohibit alternative taxi services from operating in the state. UberX, Lyft and Sidecar have been openly operating in the City of Chicago and the city’s affluent suburbs without abiding by any regulations.

This measure has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – With the new concealed carry law, business locations may post a graphic “no-guns-allowed” sign. State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-11) hosted members of Moms In Action (MIA) at his State Capitol office to hear their proposal to replace the pictoral sign with a written version instead. The purpose of removing the image of the gun from the sign is to ease the worry of a potential threat when patronizing local businesses.

Moms In Action is a group of moms of all ages who meet monthly for fellowship, growth in their relationship with Christ, and to serve others and the community.