Johnson advances measure to restore, protect Lake Michigan’s shore
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SPRINGFIELD – Ponds of coal ash created by the Waukegan Power Generating Station have polluted the Lake Michigan shore for decades, and State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) advanced a measure to offer restoration and protection.
“Coal-burning plants have caused irreparable damage to our communities and ecosystems,” Johnson said. “We must make strong efforts for coal ash clean-up around Lake Michigan and protect our region’s largest water source from lingering toxins.”
With requirements outlined under the Environmental Protection Act, Johnson’s initiative requires the removal of coal combustion residual, or coal ash, stored in ponds on Lake Michigan’s shore at the Waukegan Generating Station. The plant’s owner must also conduct a site investigation sufficient to identify and characterize the scope and extent of all coal ash placed, stored or disposed.
Read more: Johnson advances measure to restore, protect Lake Michigan’s shore
Villa: Advancing toward extended support for older LGBTQ adults
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SPRINGFIELD – To recuperate from the discrimination older LGBTQ adults have faced historically, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) has passed legislation that would allocate a designated advocate under the Department on Aging for addressing mistreatment.
“The LGBTQ community has faced a lot of stress and overcame amble amounts of adversity historically,” Villa said. “A designated advocate would allow this misrepresented community the support they need to continue on.”
Villa’s measure would require the Department on Aging to provide older LGBTQ adults with a designated advocate and creates an LGBTQ Older Adult Curriculum and Training Program for Department on Aging service providers and contractors.
Read more: Villa: Advancing toward extended support for older LGBTQ adults
Martwick sponsored measure to formally consider dispatchers as first responders passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – Emergency medical dispatchers are one step closer to receiving the recognition of the role they play in responding to emergencies after a measure supported by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) passed the Senate on Wednesday.
“Dispatchers have a tough job, and their efforts need to be recognized,” Martwick said. “Dispatchers are the first line of defense in an emergency, hearing unspeakable circumstances while staying calm and helping the caller. They deserve the utmost appreciation for the vital job they do.”
Emergency medical dispatchers are special trained call-takers who identify complaints, triage patients’ severity and provide pre-arrival instructions to callers. Senate Bill 3127 would amend various laws already on the books to include emergency medical dispatchers in reference to first responders.
Fine advocates for increase in mental and behavioral health workforce
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SPRINGFIELD – In response to the current mental health professional workforce’s struggles to keep up with increasing demand, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is leading a measure aimed at growing the workforce in Illinois.
“For people who are bravely taking the first steps to seek mental health care, overbooked providers are major deterrents to receiving the care they need,” Senator Fine said. “I am committed to making mental and behavioral health care more accessible for those who need it, which includes addressing the shortage of mental health providers needed for the demand we are seeing in our communities.”
In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely because of this gap. This can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.
Read more: Fine advocates for increase in mental and behavioral health workforce
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