SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) commended the Governor’s signing of Senate Bill 400 into law today. This measure will increase both the earned income tax credit and the personal exemption on Illinois’ income tax returns.

"This new law will help to put more money back into the pockets of the hard-working men and women of Illinois," stated Senator Munoz, a member of the Senate Executive Committee. "This change in the law is necessary to help taxpayers because the earned income tax credit has not been increased since it was created ten years ago."

Springfield, Illinois — State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago), along with Representative Dena Carli, Alderman Edward Burke and the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council Special Service Area 39 are announcing a Back-to-School Family Health Fair Saturday, August 27, 2011, from 12 P.M. to 4 P.M. The fair will take place at TCF Bank located at 4192 S. Archer Ave. in Chicago.

The Back-to-School Fair will be a chance for students and families to celebrate the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. Students can take this opportunity to receive school physicals, school vaccines, and dental exams. In addition, students and families will be able to receive tests for asthma, lead and diabetes.

Springfield, Illinois —Legislation sponsored by State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) was signed into law by Governor Quinn increasing the criminal charges for the offense of unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon.

"The Chicago area has experienced a dramatic increase in its number of shooting deaths over the past several months," said Senator Munoz. "This law will provide increased penalties for those who choose to unlawfully use weapons on our streets and in our neighborhoods."

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) in conjunction with Representatives Acevedo and Carli will be hosting a mortgage seminar on Saturday July 16th at the Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 South Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60608. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and registration will be available on site from 9 a.m. to noon.

Springfield, Illinois — State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is supporting legislation that will eliminate the ability for convicted criminals to receive probation if they use a firearm to commit an aggravated assault.

"By increasing the penalty for this offense and eliminating the possibility of probation, I hope we can discourage these criminal activities throughout Illinois," Senator Munoz said. "This legislation is another step in working to get guns off our streets."

Springfield, Illinois — State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) supported legislation that passed the Senate today which will put undocumented students on the path to citizenship.

Springfield, Illinois —State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge are proud to announce today as Disabled Peace Officers Recognition Day in the State of Illinois. Today honors and recognizes the ongoing bravery and sacrifices of peace officers who live with disabilities they have received in the line of duty.

Springfield, Illinois —Mr. Hiram Grau, the new Director of the Illinois State Police, was sworn into office today in Springfield by Governor Pat Quinn.  State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) attended the event after the Senate approved his appointment unanimously earlier in the day.

Springfield, Illinois —State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is Co-chairing a bipartisan effort to educate and inform members of the General Assembly about the need to do more to combat diabetes in our state.