Aquino, Senate Democrats bring health equity to Chicago’s west side through historic Rebuild Illinois Plan

CHICAGO — A new state-of-the-art health wellness center is coming to the West Side of Chicago thanks to the Illinois Senate Democrat-backed Rebuild Illinois plan.

“Health equity is — and always has been — one of my top priorities,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “Access to quality health care should be a right — not a privilege. By bringing this facility to the West Side, we are signaling to local residents we notice the inequity and inequality and our system and we are committed to doing something about it.”

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Ellman, Yang Rohr designate Dolostone as state rock

NAPERVILLE – Signed into law Monday, legislation by State Senator Laura Ellman and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr on behalf of local students designates Dolostone as Illinois’ official state rock.

“Students played a large part in the designation of our state tree and flower over a century ago, and once again they will play a large part in our state’s history through their work in designating Dolostone as the state rock,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “These exceptional young people went above and beyond to take advantage of this great learning opportunity, and all the students and teachers involved have been true gems.”

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Opioid overdose reversal drug free under new Ellman law

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) to make naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, more accessible was signed into law Thursday.

“Opioids are permeating our communities, and people are dying at record rates. By making naloxone more accessible, we can prevent more deaths as we work to address the root of addiction,” Ellman said. “Naloxone saves lives. You can’t put a price on that.”

House Bill 4408 prohibits insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for naloxone, an opioid suppressant. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often cost up to $140 for two doses.

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Villivalam supports expansion of expressway cameras to curb violence on roads

­CHICAGO – With carjackings and shootings on the rise on Illinois’ expressways, State Senator Ram Villivalam supported two new laws to help law enforcement crack down on these crimes.

“Commuters deserve to know they are safe when they use any of Illinois’ 15,969 miles of highways,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Allowing law enforcement to coordinate and address these crimes is the first step to protecting drivers.”

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