Hastings seeks to prevent exploitation of veterans through new law

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent the exploitation of veterans and promote the availability of free service programs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) passed a measure through the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Tuesday that seeks to penalize deceptive service providers.

“The past year has demonstrated just how easy it can be for those with malicious intent to take advantage of the innocent,” Hastings said. “It is our obligation to protect our veterans from these bad actors.”

Under House Bill 3865, any advertisement for veteran and military service benefits must include that these services are available free of charge from federal, state and county veteran service offices.

Read more: Hastings seeks to prevent exploitation of veterans through new law

Glowiak Hilton: Mental health care for students is pivotal for success

SPRINGFIELD – To improve student access to mental health education and resources, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation to allow partnerships between state agencies to more fully and effectively foster students’ well-being.

“Although highlighted by school disruptions over the last year and a half, many students experienced mental health distress long before the pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “To ensure children are receiving the best mental health services in school, this proposal allows state agencies to work together to improve prevention and treatment resources.”

Read more: Glowiak Hilton: Mental health care for students is pivotal for success

Johnson hopes to spread the word about resources for aging Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – Older adults in Illinois who receive home-delivered meal services would have critical—and even life-saving—information at their fingertips under legislation proposed by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Many of our older neighbors might not have easy access to the internet. As a result, they might find it difficult to connect with programs and resources available to them,” Johnson said. “By providing them a hard copy of toll-free phone numbers and other helpful information, we’re putting these important services within reach.”

Read more: Johnson hopes to spread the word about resources for aging Illinoisans

Cullerton calls for reform in LaSalle Veterans’ Home hearing

SPRINGFIELD – In a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Friday, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) led a discussion regarding a recently released report on the November COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home. The veterans’ home is ran by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

“My colleagues and I were all horrified to hear about the devastating loss of life at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home this past fall and winter,” said Cullerton, chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee. “I’ve read the full OIG report and it is clear to me that there was a breakdown of communication between staff and management at the facility.”

Read more: Cullerton calls for reform in LaSalle Veterans’ Home hearing