Koehler measure to prohibit price gouging of generic medication passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler passed an initiative to prohibit price gouging of essential medication.

“Medication should be affordable for all Illinoisans,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This legislation addresses the schemes companies will go through to churn a profit off of someone’s health.”

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Senator Morrison lowers price of fishing licenses

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison is helping more people enjoy the great outdoors by lowering the price of fishing licenses.

“Growing up near a river in Illinois, one of my favorite memories is fishing with my family in the summer,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Over the past few years, we have grown a greater appreciation for the outdoors, and I want to make sure people have easy access to grow that appreciation and love even more.”

Read more: Senator Morrison lowers price of fishing licenses

Preston passes new measure to provide state IDs to inmates before release

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure through the Senate on Wednesday that will require the Secretary of State to provide individuals committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections or the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice with an Illinois ID upon receipt of identifying documents which the IDOC or IDJJ must assist the individual in obtaining.

“When people are incarcerated, especially for long periods of time, the government ID they had when entering prison — like a driver’s license — may no longer be valid when they are released,” said Preston (D- Chicago). “Yet this small piece of plastic is needed for many of life’s basic necessities like housing, employment, medical care, banking, and, for those who need it, government benefit programs like food stamps.”

House Bill 3345 requires the Secretary of State to provide individuals committed to IDOC or IDJJ with an Illinois ID upon receipt of the individual’s birth certificate, social security card, photograph, proof of residency upon discharge, and application which must be submitted 60 days prior to the individual's scheduled release.

Read more: Preston passes new measure to provide state IDs to inmates before release

Senate approves Belt measure to ensure fair compensation for teachers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure out of the Senate Wednesday that aims to ensure fair compensation for teachers and protect school boards from undue financial burdens.

“This measure empowers our state’s educators and recognizes the invaluable contributions they make every day,” said Belt (Swansea). “Not only would this enhance the financial well-being of teachers, but it also would contribute to maintaining the high standard of education in our schools across the state.”

Read more: Senate approves Belt measure to ensure fair compensation for teachers