Senator Holmes reminds women Oct. 16 is National Mammography Day

AURORA – According to a study by the Illinois Department of Public Health, 26 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Illinois each day.

The prognosis for breast cancer is best if the diagnosis occurs in the condition’s earliest stages, which is why Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is reminding women that Oct. 16 is National Mammography Day.

“Getting a routine mammogram or scheduling one if a woman believes there may be a problem improves the odds for treatment if it is necessary,” Holmes said. “Studies show that screening mammography can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74, and especially for those over age 50.”

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Hunter calls for an end to discriminatory practices in lending and minority homeownership

CHICAGO — The Senate Executive, Financial Institutions, Economic and Commerce Committees held a joint subject matter hearing on racial equity in lending and home ownership Thursday. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who chairs the Executive Committee, called for equity in minority lending and ownership.

“Though discriminative practices, such as redlining, were outlawed by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, it is incredibly disheartening to see African Americans struggling from these same issues today,” Hunter said. “Large home ownership and lending gaps still exist and deprive Black Americans, and that needs to change.”

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Lightford pushes for early world language classes and mental health and recovery access

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined the Senate Education and Higher Education Committees for a hearing focused on language graduation requirements and mental health resources and recovery in Illinois elementary and high schools.

Wednesday’s hearing was the fifth hearing dedicated to education and workforce development, the second pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda to rid Illinois of systemic racism.

“Students have a better chance of gaining proficiency in a second language when they learn it early on,” Lightford said. “That effort can make a significant impact on our children’s career success the workforce.”

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State lawmakers discuss prison reform in fifth criminal justice hearing called by Black Caucus

CHICAGO—State lawmakers from both chambers discussed prison reform during the fifth criminal justice reform hearing called by the Black Caucus on Tuesday.

“We cannot continue to follow the same prescription and expect different results,” Senate Criminal Law Chair State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) said. “Prison reform is crucial to ensure Illinoisans of all backgrounds are treated fairly. We must stop monitoring individuals who have served their time and are not a threat to society. I also do not subscribe to putting someone in prison as a means to address substance abuse. Together, I know we will develop meaningful solutions and alternatives to truly deliver justice to people throughout the state.”

Read more: State lawmakers discuss prison reform in fifth criminal justice hearing called by Black Caucus