Belt advances bill to address financial disparities in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure out of the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday that aims to identify and correct inequities some individuals face when seeking loans, mortgages or other financial services.

“Access to fair lending services, reasonable banking and other financial assistance is fundamental to economic development and stability,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “However, there are many communities across the state that face systemic barriers and disparities that hinder their ability to fully participate in the economy such as running a successful business or owning a home.”

Read more: Belt advances bill to address financial disparities in Illinois

Aquino stands with SEIU, home care workers in fight for living wage

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Omar Aquino, standing alongside Service Employees International Union members, pushed for a wage increase for home care workers in Illinois at a rally Wednesday.

“When I worked for the Community Care Program, I witnessed firsthand the impact of home care workers on seniors’ ability to live an independent and dignified life,” expressed Aquino to advocates gathered in the Capitol rotunda. “You all provide dignified work—you should earn a dignified pay.”

Aquino joined hundreds of home care workers rallying together to speak on the need to increase wages for home care workers who provide essential personal assistance and health care support to thousands of seniors and people with disabilities across the state.

Read more: Aquino stands with SEIU, home care workers in fight for living wage

Senate Democrats stand against predatory insurance practices

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats advocated for the Healthcare Protection Act to curb predatory insurance practices to ensure adequate access to health care for people in Illinois at a press conference Wednesday.

“The big time insurance companies are going to fight us on this, but we are going to bring the public – the people of Illinois – with us to the negotiating table and get this done,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “I am honored to sponsor this bill and will not fold on my commitment to make Illinois a healthier and safer place by ensuring they have access to the best possible care.”

Senate Bill 3739 aims to ban step therapy and prior authorization for crisis mental health care, improve network adequacy and end unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies.

Read more: Senate Democrats stand against predatory insurance practices

Turner advances measure to ensure university, community college employees receive pay during winter weather closures

SPRINGFIELD – To protect university and community college employees, State Senator Doris Turner advanced a measure that would ensure employees and contractors receive their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits if a campus is closed due to a winter weather emergency.

“When campuses close for weather, it’s not usually planned and can leave workers without pay for a day or more,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This initiative would protect the workers who often aren’t paid if campuses close but play an important role in the normal, day-to-day operations for universities and community colleges.”

Read more: Turner advances measure to ensure university, community college employees receive pay during...