Villa measure securing mental health services for college students advances

SPRINGFIELD – Citing the increased need for mental health services for students following the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to ensure college students have access to mental health services.

“As a school social worker, I saw first-hand that learning and wellness are intertwined. When students gain access to mental health services, they succeed,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Starting college, moving out on your own, balancing academics and a social life can be overwhelming. It is critical for students to know they have access to support if they need it.”

House Bill 3385 would require public universities and colleges to provide up to three licensed mental health professionals if the institution meets the benchmark ratio of clinical, non-student staff members to students.

Read more: Villa measure securing mental health services for college students advances

Turner measure to prioritize patients over profit passes General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – Anesthesia services, regardless of duration, would be covered by insurance companies under a measure led by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Insurance companies have taken advantage of people for far too long,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Insurance coverage isn’t a timeshare, and companies shouldn’t have the ability to sell plans like this.”

House Bill 1141 would require private insurers and all state group health plans to cover medically necessary anesthesia services, regardless of duration, for any procedure covered by the policy. 

Read more: Turner measure to prioritize patients over profit passes General Assembly

Aquino bill to ease student loan burden passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD –An initiative sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino to expand loan options for student loan borrowers passed the Senate Thursday.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, it is critical that we provide students with an economic relief tool to help alleviate the often overwhelming burden of student loan debt,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Providing borrowers with additional loan options and lower interest rates will help keep money in their pockets to put toward other needs.”

House Bill 1430 would allow the Illinois State Treasurer to invest in refinanced student loans and work with financial institutions that provide refinancing for student loans. Refinanced loans at lower rates will result in lower payments for borrowers, freeing up spending power and supporting the local economy.

Read more: Aquino bill to ease student loan burden passes Senate

Guzmán measure to increase access to youth sports programs passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s legislation to create a commission on youth sports under the Department of Human Services has passed the Senate, making it one step closer to becoming law and ensuring that all young people have access to equitable and robust youth sports programs. 

“Currently, the lack of equitable investments in youth sports programs statewide deprive thousands of children of the chance to develop skills and foster friendships with their peers,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “By creating a youth sports commission, we can research and address the inequalities that exist, and develop a strategic plan to make youth sports accessible to kids in every community in our state, regardless of their family’s income.” 

Read more: Guzmán measure to increase access to youth sports programs passes Senate