More than ninety cases of human trafficking in Illinois have been reported so far this year. Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed legislation about efforts to combat it and to assist its victims. One bill created a statewide task force on the issue.
The task force will work with others in the state, including one in Cook County, says Sen. Sponsor Karen McConnaughay, a Republican from St. Charles. The task force is expected to give its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by June 30, 2017.
Another piece of legislation will help immigrant victims to get state assistance such as food, cash and medical to up to a year as they wait for visa approval and can receive federal aid.
State Sen. sponsor Jacqueline Collins, a Democrat from Chicago, called human trafficking "modern day slavery."
