SPRINGFIELD- Today, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 105-5 to override the governor’s amendatory veto of House Bill 1, a proposal that takes a multi-faceted approach to curbing the growing heroin epidemic. State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), the sponsor of the measure in the Senate, released the follow statement following the House’s vote.

“I applaud Representative Lou Lang for his continued leadership and the Illinois House for coming together in a bipartisan fashion that will save lives and taxpayer dollars.  Investing in heroin addiction prevention gives people struggling with substance abuse the opportunity to survive and become productive members of our society.

“We owe it to the victims, families and youth of our communities to enact these protections as soon as possible, and I look forward to voting on this proposal in the Senate next week.”

GRAYSLAKE — State Sen. Melinda Bush issued the following statement as members of the Illinois House voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of House Bill 1, the Heroin Crisis Act, on Wednesday.

“Citizens have demanded we address this public health crisis,” Bush said. “This comprehensive plan to reduce addiction and death must not be delayed further. I will cast my ‘Yes’ vote to override this veto and make this the law of the land, and I urge all my colleagues in the Senate to do the same.”

Among other provisions in the proposal is a section referred to as “Lali’s Law,” which would expand access to heroin overdose antidotes at local pharmacies. The law is so named for Alex “Lali” Laliberte, whose sister Chelsea formed the anti-heroin organization Live4Lali after her brother’s death by heroin overdose in 2008.

Live4Lali has been promoting the wider distribution and awareness of Narcan, an antidote that immediately halts the lethal chemical effects of a narcotics overdose with no adverse side effects and can be used safely with minimal training. Law enforcement officers in Lake County carry the small kits and have already reported several deaths averted by their use over the past year.

The legislation is House Bill 1. It proceeds to the Senate, where it requires a three-fifths supermajority vote to override the governor’s veto.

CHICAGO-In order to help students get prepared for the school year, State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) joined with local businesses to host a back to school health and education fair on Saturday, August 29. The event, hosted at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in Hermosa, offered free school supplies, backpacks, flu shots, child identification cards, a dance fitness class and a wide variety of other services.

“I’m so glad I was able to give back to this community that has already given me so much,” Delgado said. “The families and children that joined us today are my neighbors and friends. The generosity that all of these vendors has shown for all of them is truly inspiring.”

"The 1st all kids back to school health and education fair was an initiative started by a concerned neighbor. Hair stylist and long-time Hermosa resident Sammy Soto came to Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and Senator Delgado with a concrete plan to make this event a reality. It was very humbling to see the community coming together under the leadership of Senator Delgado, who immediately made this event a priority,” said Omar Torres-Kortright, executive director of Segundo Ruiz.

“His office went to work and secured sponsors and partners that provided free book bags, school supplies and medical services ranging from flu shots to dental, hearing and vision screenings. Sammy's Hair studio provided 100 free haircuts and Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center was happy to provide its 4500 sq ft facility, staff, volunteers and a dance and fitness class to complement the many resources already available. The event was a complete success and a clear example of what can be accomplished when public officials partner with local residents and arts organizations for the good of all children," Omar Torres-Kortright said.

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Senate Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) joined members of the Latino Caucus at a hearing regarding how the absence of a state budget is impacting Latino-serving providers and their clients.

“We heard riveting testimony about how the lack of a state budget is impacting Latinos,” Martinez said. “I am troubled by what I heard today. The governor needs to focus on solving the state’s budget impasse so that human service providers helping our children, seniors, the disabled and other vulnerable populations can stay in business.”

Martinez provided introductory remarks at the hearing, which featured testimony from representatives of Gads Hill Center, Latino Organization of the Southwest, La Casa Norte, El Valor, Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Corazon Community Services and other organizations.

Senator Martinez’s participation in today’s hearing is part of a broader effort she is undertaking to help Latinos. This year, she encouraged Latinos to become blood donors and discussed the importance of Latinos being adequately represented in state government.

Martinez has also spoken out about the necessity of the state funding Welcoming Centers, which serve as lifelines to our state’s newest residents by offering classes and providing information on topics such as employment training and home ownership.