Morrison urges Illinois to ban e-cigarettes
State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) responded this week to news that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued emergency rules banning flavored e-cigarettes and their marketing to youth:
“Today’s emergency ruling by Michigan Gov. Whitmer highlights the real dangers of e-cigarette use. Just a few weeks ago, an Illinois resident was the first to die from a mysterious lung illness linked to vaping. These products are dangerous and are being intentionally marketed to our youth with the addition of candy-like flavorings.
“I commend Michigan’s governor for acting to protect the health of her residents and I urge Gov. Pritzker to do the same. The health of our teens and young adults is too important to fail to act.”
Gov. Whitmer’s order prohibits the online and retail sale of flavored nicotine products in Michigan and will take effect as soon as the health departure issues rules in the next 30 days. Continue reading.
Crowe law requires coverage for donated breast milk
Mothers needing donated breast milk for their sick infants will benefit under a new law championed by State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).
The initiative requires certain insurance plans to cover costs of pasteurized donated human breast milk for mothers with infants deemed medically necessary in Illinois.
“As a mother, I am humbled to carry this initiative through the Senate that takes a burden off of women with sick newborns and no other options to get breast milk,” Crowe said. “Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs for proper growth and development and we have to make sure those who need it have access.” Continue reading.
Collins joins Lightfoot to open new STEM high school
Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) joined Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday for a brief ceremony welcoming students back to school at the new, $85 million STEM high school in Englewood.
Community members and the media attended to watch Lightfoot cut the ribbon at the ceremony and help ring the starting bell on the new school. The neighborhood school will focus on instructing students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. About 400 freshman students will make up the graduating class of 2024.
In case you missed it
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Senator Cristina Castro, Chicago: New Protections for Undocumented Immigrant Tenants in Illinois | Next City
Senator Melinda Bush, Grayslake: 'Still reeling' from shuttered nuclear site, Zion receives enterprise zone status for state redevelopment incentives | Chicago Tribune
Senator Christopher Belt, Centreville: Stopping crime by cleaning up streets and getting people job opportunities | Fox 2 St. Louis
Senator Bill Cunningham, Chicago: Firefighter's death raises mental health awareness | WGN 9 Chicago
Copyright 2019 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved
Subscribe to The Majority Report