Measure to enhance masonry workforce advanced by Villivalam

SPRINGFIELD- A measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam would make it easier for people who have completed masonry programs to receive community college credit.

“Many choose to pursue trade programs after high school, including masonry, carpentry, or plumbing,” said Villivalam. “Making sure that there are options for furthering education is vital for our workers and local economy.”

Villivalam’s measure would ensure that community colleges accept up to 30 credit hours transferred from a non-degree institution for finishing a masonry program. Currently there are 36 non-degree programs that can be approved, which include programs such as general carpentry, pharmacy technician and welding.

Read more: Measure to enhance masonry workforce advanced by Villivalam

Turner continues to address death care industry

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Doris Turner and Christopher Belt laid out a plan Thursday to ensure physicians who perform autopsies are able to accurately do their job without fear of legal retaliation.

“After conversations with Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon, it was clear that we need to ensure the people who perform autopsies are protected,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Putting the rest of the state in line with Cook County will ensure further transparency in the death care industry.”

Senate Bill 2779 would require counties to indemnify and hold harmless a physician, designated by the county or the coroner’s office, to perform autopsies. Indemnification describes the concept where an employer compensates or covers the liability of an employee for conduct the employee committed while they were doing their job in accordance with the employer’s guidance or policies.

Read more: Turner continues to address death care industry

Morrison measure to improve diversity of clinical cancer trials passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to bring more diversity to clinical cancer trials.

“Better representation in clinical trials will improve progress and innovation in cancer care and mitigate some inequities that currently exist in health care,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

House Bill 5405 would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to work with the University of Illinois and other relevant organizations to conduct a study examining what demographics are currently underrepresented in clinical trials, identify barriers to participation and pinpoint ways to improve upon outreach to these communities. IDPH would report the findings of this study to the General Assembly by July 1, 2026.

“Prioritizing accessibility and equity in cancer research is vital as cancer disproportionately impacts marginalized communities,” said Morrison. “This bill will ensure participation from historically underrepresented communities.”

House Bill 5405 unanimously passed the Senate Thursday.

Preston’s legislation to expand access to colonoscopy screenings passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Emphasizing the critical need for improved access to colonoscopy screenings, State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to facilitate the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

“By making these screenings more accessible, we offer individuals the opportunity to detect and address health concerns early on, minimizing the risk of serious complications down the road,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The peace of mind that comes with being confident that your insurance covers preventative care is not just a luxury — it is a fundamental right that Illinoisans will have by expanding access to these screenings.”

According to data reported from the National Cancer Institute in 2023, colon cancer was responsible for 7.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and 8.6% of all cancer deaths. The Institute also projected that about 4.1% of the population will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point during their lifetime based on data collected from 2017 to 2019.

Read more: Preston’s legislation to expand access to colonoscopy screenings passes Senate