Villanueva advances measure to provide free menstrual products in IDOC facilities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced legislation from the Illinois Senate on Thursday that would allow every person in the care of the Department of Corrections to receive underwear and menstrual products free of charge.

“While women in the Illinois Department of Corrections are provided with some free feminine hygiene products, incarcerated women consistently state that the sanitary napkins and feminine hygiene products provided by the State are inconsistently provided or insufficient to meet their needs,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As a woman myself, I cannot imagine having limited access to feminine hygiene products that are a necessity to my everyday life. These women are no different and deserve to have proper healthcare resources regardless of their incarceration.”

House Bill 4218 addresses the lack of equal healthcare, basic hygiene and gender disparities in IDOC facilities. The measure would make these products available for all men, women and non-binary individuals under IDOC supervision available free of charge.

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Senate improves landmark criminal justice legislation

SPRINGFIELD -- Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement today after the Senate passed legislation clarifying certain portions of the Pretrial Fairness Act:

“Our goal when we passed the Pretrial Fairness Act nearly two years ago was to overhaul a broken criminal justice system, one in which dangerous people could buy their way out of jail while people accused of non-violent crimes remain detained as they await their day in court simply because they lack resources.

“The measure we passed today preserves that goal while providing clarifications to eliminate any misunderstandings and ensure the implementation of this groundbreaking reform is smooth.”

*HB1095 is now pending before the Illinois House.

Collins calls for cap on pawn shop loan interest rates

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Jacqueline Y. Collins was joined by advocates and co-sponsors to urge the passage of the Pawn Broker Regulation Act on Wednesday.

“Last year I passed the Predatory Loan Prevention Act to cap absurdly high interest rates and protect consumers,” said Senator Collins (D-Chicago). “We must expand the law to cover loans from other servicers so that working people are not taken advantage of and have the opportunity to build lasting economic stability.”

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Senator Johnson: Pancreatic cancer screenings save lives

SPRINGFIELD - In the midst of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Adriane Johnson reminds Illinois residents the importance of cancer screenings and preventative measures.

“This month, as we remember those who have succumbed to the disease, it is necessary that we also remember to do our part and get screened,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Early detection is proven to increase the chances of survival.”

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