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Preston advances measure to expand speech therapy coverage for stuttering

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston’s measure that would expand coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering advanced out of the Senate Thursday.

“Stuttering is something a lot of folks deal with, especially our kids,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We’ve got to make sure they’re not carrying that on their own, and show them they’ve got real support behind them.”

The measure would expand coverage for speech therapy to include rehabilitative services. Coverage currently applies to habilitative services for any child under 19 years of age with an early-acquired disorder that is diagnosed as a speech-language disorder, including stuttering.

Additionally, the legislation would require Medicaid to cover both habilitative and rehabilitative stuttering therapies for individuals 21 years old and younger.

“I know the struggle. I used to stutter, and it can make you feel like you’re not being heard,” said Preston. “This measure is about changing that. It’s about making sure people have access to the support and rehab services they need to find their voice.”

Senate Bill 2899 passed the Senate Thursday, and moves to the House for further consideration. 

Lightford, Guzmán, Halpin fight for equitable higher education funding

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford was joined by State Senators Mike Halpin and Graciela Guzmán, as well as a number of advocates, to fight to transform how Illinois funds its higher education system.

“Despite education’s paramount importance, the disparity in funding among higher educational institutions remains dreadfully evident,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This imbalance not only undermines the principle of equal opportunity but also hampers our collective progress as a society.”

Read more: Lightford, Guzmán, Halpin fight for equitable higher education funding

Faraci measure to expand financial freedom for individuals with disabilities passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure that would modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program is one step closer to law.

“The Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program is a critical resource that can provide tangible relief for individuals with disabilities who are looking to save for their futures; however, like any resource, it is only helpful if residents know it exists,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By ensuring individuals with disabilities and their families are aware of programs like the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program, we can safeguard their ability to build financial independence without violating the eligibility rules set for SSI and Medicaid benefits.”

Read more: Faraci measure to expand financial freedom for individuals with disabilities passes Senate

Simmons, Syed outline plan to ban junk fees for Illinois renters

SPRINGFIELD – In light of the rising cost of living nationwide, State Senator Mike Simmons joined State Representative Nabeela Syed at a press conference Thursday to highlight legislation that would help ensure the renting process is transparent and fair.

“Renters across my district need transparency when they are searching for housing,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By removing junk fees and requiring leases to list all applicable fees on the front page, we are giving tenants the information they need to rent fairly.”

Under Simmons’ bill, landlords wouldn’t be able to charge tenants for 11 types of fees, including modifying or renewing a lease, for the receipt of an eviction notice unless it is granted, for routine maintenance and upkeep, for pest abatement and removal, or for contacting the building owner or property manager. 

Read more: Simmons, Syed outline plan to ban junk fees for Illinois renters