Hunter initiative will increase healthy beverages in kids’ meals

SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure kids’ meals have healthy beverage options as a default to combat the risk of health issues was signed into law Friday.

“Ensuring health for our children and future generations is something I am very passionate about, and I am proud that we were able to pass this legislation for our youth,” Hunter said. “Setting healthier beverages as the default for their meals will only set an example of healthy dietary habits for children to grow into.”

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Insurance must cover doctor-recommended colon cancer screenings under Johnson law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois patients can follow their doctors’ recommendations without worrying about burdensome costs under a new law championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) to require insurance companies to cover medically necessary colonoscopies.

“Most people should get regular colonoscopies starting at age 45, but if you have a family history of colon cancer, your doctor may recommend screenings earlier,” Johnson said. “Deductibles and co-pays shouldn’t keep anyone from undergoing this potentially life-saving procedure.”

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New law by Glowiak Hilton to aid local businesses

SPRINGFIELD – As businesses get creative to find ways to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, a law sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) will offer a solution to help ease financial burdens.

“Local governments are capable of deciding what is best for the local business community’s financial future,” Glowiak Hilton said. “To provide support where it’s needed most, this law allows units of local government to determine where waiving fees would be beneficial to a struggling business.”

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Hunter bill will increase regulation in prescription monitoring program

SPRINGFIELD – A proposal led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to increase regulations for the prescription monitoring program is now law.

“Primary doctors must be aware of any prescriptions being prescribed or filled for their patients in addition to what they prescribe to ensure any unnecessary prescriptions can be eliminated,” Hunter said. “Opioid overdose rates have risen in Illinois over the last year, and I want to take all necessary precautions so that patients are not over-prescribed but get the help that they need.”

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