Members of the Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force outline goals

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force had its first meeting where they selected State Senator Dave Koehler and State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin as co-chairs, and outlined its findings from the first meeting and goals for the coming months.

“This task force will bring a better understanding of how the Underground Railroad operated, as slaves escaped the south for freedom and a better life in Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By giving Illinoisans a clear understanding of the past, we are creating a greater future.”

The Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force was created through legislation championed by Koehler last year – Senate Bill 1623. The task force will create a statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive statewide history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while establishing new educational and tourism opportunities.

Read more: Members of the Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force outline goals

Sims and Gillespie encourage local chambers to apply for financial relief

CHICAGO – State Senators Elgie R. Sims and Ann Gillespie are encouraging local chambers of commerce to apply for funding to help them recover from the continuous financial distress brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We know that many businesses across the state have been historically disadvantaged when it comes to economic investments, but the State of Illinois is making tremendous strides in investing in the communities that need it the most," said Sims (D-Chicago). "This funding is critical in ensuring businesses and chambers of commerce, no matter where they are in the state, have the economic resources they need to be successful."

Read more: Sims and Gillespie encourage local chambers to apply for financial relief

Senator Toro to expand insurance coverage for fertility preservation services

SPRINGFIELD — Standard fertility preservation services, including storage, could soon be covered under Illinois-regulated health insurance plans, regardless of medical necessity or diagnosis of infertility, thanks to legislation introduced by State Senator Natalie Toro. 

“Fertility preservation services can be life-changing for people who want to have children, but for many different reasons, are not ready to start a family,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “I believe all Illinoisans should have access to reproductive health care, and this treatment is one more component of this important care.”

Fertility preservation is the freezing of embryos, eggs, ovarian tissue, sperm or testicular tissue for future reproduction. These treatments give people more flexibility and options when planning when to start a family. However, under current law, Illinois-regulated health insurance plans are only required provide coverage for medically necessary standard fertility preservation services, making these treatments largely inaccessible because of their high out-of-pocket costs.

Read more: Senator Toro to expand insurance coverage for fertility preservation services

Johnson law provides timely treatment to youth in care of DCFS starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s law to ensure children with behavioral and mental health needs in DCFS’s care get timely access to essential treatment went into effect Monday, Jan. 1.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our youth is prioritized,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This law reflects our dedication to encouraging a supportive and nurturing environment for every child’s growth and development.”

Johnson’s law requires DCFS to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth with significant behavioral health needs.

Read more: Johnson law provides timely treatment to youth in care of DCFS starting Jan. 1