Manar advances measure to cover cancer clinical trials for Medicaid beneficiaries

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Medicaid recipients considering clinical trials for cancer treatment would no longer face possible rejection of coverage for care under legislation advanced out of the Senate Human Services Committee by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) on Wednesday.

“Access to the latest, most advanced cancer treatments can mean the difference between life and death for patients,” Manar said. “I take issue with the fact that some people are granted that access and others aren’t, simply depending on which insurance plan they have. This legislation solves that.”

An initiative of the American Cancer Society, Senate Bill 2499 requires Medicaid to cover routine care costs incurred for an approved clinical trial involving the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or any other life-threatening disease, as long as Medicaid would normally cover those same routine care costs for a non-clinical procedure.

Read more: Manar advances measure to cover cancer clinical trials for Medicaid beneficiaries

Lightford applauds Pritzker’s commitment to education

SPRINGFIELD – Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address on Wednesday with the following statement:

“Last year, the governor gave the General Assembly an extra push to get some big items done, and I look forward to building on such a successful session. I am particularly excited about investing in early childhood education and working to make college more affordable.”

“Education is a vital tool in lifting people out of poverty, and I am glad Governor Pritzker shares my commitment to the children of Illinois.”

Cunningham named president pro tempore of Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham was named president pro tempore of the Illinois State Senate Tuesday by Senate President Don Harmon.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to continuing serving in the Illinois Senate as a part of President Harmon’s leadership team,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “This is an exciting new role for me and I look forward to the new challenges it brings.”

As Senate president pro tempore, Cunningham will serve as a trusted advisor to the Senate President and a senior member of his leadership team.

“We have a lot of work to do on behalf of the people of Illinois this spring,” Cunningham said. “I’m looking forward to working with President Harmon and my colleagues in the General Assembly to tackle the biggest issues facing our state, including reducing out of control property taxes and reforming our ethics laws to hold those in government accountable.”

Cunningham has represented Illinois’ 18th Senate District since 2013. Prior to joining the Senate, he also served in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Crowe selected as first woman in state history to chair Senate Judiciary Committee

SPRINGFIELD – Bringing a fresh perspective and extensive courtroom experience to a new challenge, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has been appointed to Chair of the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee, the first woman in state history.

“I am elated to be chosen as the first woman to lead the chamber in this coveted position,” Crowe said. “I’m excited to get started improving fairness and accountability in the Illinois court system for all people and children in our state.”

Read more: Crowe selected as first woman in state history to chair Senate Judiciary Committee