New Villivalam law to streamline infrastructure improvements

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CHICAGO – A new law to allow an alternative project delivery method on infrastructure improvements, introduced by Senate Transportation Committee chair Ram Villivalam, was signed by the governor on Wednesday.

“Streamlining the implementation of infrastructure projects will save taxpayer dollars and rebuild our roads, bridges and mass transit systems in a transparent and equitable manner,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Finding alternative ways to deliver on rebuilding Illinois remains a top priority for me as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.”

Senate Bill 2981 creates the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act, which authorizes the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Tollway Authority to use the design-build delivery method on highway construction projects. Currently, IDOT uses the design-bid-build project delivery method where the department designs a plan in-house, then reviews bids from contractors. Design-build would expedite that process by allowing a single entity to both design and start construction on the project. Projects that use this method would be capped at a combined total of $400 million.

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Insulin-dependent diabetics will soon receive an easier way to track their blood sugar thanks to Senator Morrison

CHICAGO – To give insulin-dependent diabetics a more effective way to manage their blood sugar levels, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a newly signed law to require insurance plans to cover continuous glucose monitors.

“This is a development in science that should be available to help people better regulate their diabetes,” Morrison said. “Glucose monitoring systems should be covered the same as other medical equipment.” 

Under Morrison’s law, insurance plans will be required to include coverage for continuous glucose monitors, which are regularly used to help people manages their diabetes through a wearable device rather than pricking their finger. Any person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes that requires insulin will be provided coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

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Jones law to ban latex gloves in restaurants

CHICAGO – To keep consumers with latex allergies safe when visiting a restaurant, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) passed a law to ban food service establishments from using latex gloves.

“Avoiding allergies when going out to eat can be difficult for those allergic to latex,” Jones said. “This law protects diners from being harmed in ways they cannot predict.”

House Bill 209 bans food service establishments, EMS personnel and health care facility personnel from using latex gloves when handling and preparing food. Currently the Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act does not regulate the use of gloves to prepare or handle food.

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Feigenholtz law adds MRSA to Chicago firefighters’ disability benefits

CHICAGO – A measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz will allow Chicago firefighters to add MRSA to the list of occupational disease disability benefits if they contract the infection on duty.

“In recent years, firefighters have seen increased staph infections, including MRSA,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Including MRSA on the list of covered protections for firefighters will aid in stopping the spread of the infection.”

The new law aligns Chicago firefighters with downstate firefighters by extending an occupational disease disability benefit to any active Chicago firefighter who has completed seven or more years of service and can’t perform their duties because of a contagious staph infection including MRSA.

Read more: Feigenholtz law adds MRSA to Chicago firefighters’ disability benefits