Villivalam measure expands eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

SPRINGFIELD - A measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam would expand eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“No person should have to worry about how they are going to afford their utility bills,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding LIHEAP provides us a unique opportunity to give some of our most vulnerable residents a sense of security.”

House Bill 4141 would allow people to apply for LIHEAP if they live in subsidized housing, if their rental expenses are no more than 30% of the household income, or if their energy bill is a portion of their rent.

Read more: Villivalam measure expands eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Senate passes Glowiak Hilton measure to prohibit pharmacy prescription refusals

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to make medication more accessible to Illinoisans, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced an initiative to prohibit pharmacists from refusing to fill a written prescription.

“Denying medication because of how it is sent to the pharmacy creates unnecessary complications that could cost a patient their life,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Individuals should be able to easily access their prescriptions, not be penalized because of a technicality.”

In response to the opioid epidemic, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law in 2021 requiring prescriptions of controlled substances to be sent electronically. However, some pharmacists are now refusing to fill non-electronic prescriptions despite exceptions to the current law. House Bill 4874 would prohibit a pharmacist from refusing to fill a paper or non-electronic prescription.

Read more: Senate passes Glowiak Hilton measure to prohibit pharmacy prescription refusals

Aquino calls for wage increase for in-home care workers

SPRINGFIELD — To shore up recruitment and retention in Illinois’ home care workforce, State Senator Omar Aquino stood with Service Employees International Union members to call for a dignified, living wage for in-home care providers at a rally at the Capitol Wednesday.

“In-home care is critical to keeping our parents and grandparents healthy and in their homes,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “We want to make sure that no matter where you live in Illinois, there is high-quality care available in every community.”

Illinois’ Community Care Program allows seniors to receive care and community-based services in their own homes. Thanks to the program, over 50,000 Illinois seniors are able to receive in-home care every month, allowing them to live independently without the need to move to a more restrictive setting like a nursing facility.

Read more: Aquino calls for wage increase for in-home care workers

Cervantes bill would retitle certain weapons charges in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Across Illinois, tens of thousands of people found to be in possession of a weapon unlawfully are charged with crimes like unlawful use of a weapon or labeled armed habitual criminals – despite the fact that more than half of these individuals have never been convicted of a crime of violence. That’s why State Senator Javier Cervantes is moving legislation to retitle these charges to more accurately reflect the nature of the crimes. 

“This directly affects minority communities around the state, and by changing the name of these offenses, we can more accurately assess the crimes committed,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Most people reading a criminal history would assume that unlawful use of a weapon indicates far more dangerous activity than in reality, but making this change can provide clarity and ensure those assumptions don’t prevent people from accessing services later in life.”

Read more: Cervantes bill would retitle certain weapons charges in Illinois