Turner joins advocates to celebrate Soil Health Week

SPRINGFIELD – During Soil Health Week, State Senator Doris Turner joined agriculture advocates and stakeholders at a rally on Wednesday.

“From the food we eat to our economy, healthy soil benefits our daily lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m a voice for our farmers, producers and ag community.”

Soil Health Week is recognized in Illinois during the week of March 6-10. Soil is an essential natural resource, and Illinois farmers and professionals play a critical role in managing Illinois’ soil and water resources. Practices like zero tillage and using cover crops can improve soil health while reducing erosion, increasing water retention and enhancing biodiversity.

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Hunter leads measure to cap cost of inhalers

SPRINGFIELD — To help alleviate the financial burden on individuals with asthma, State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading a measure to limit the out-of-pocket costs for prescription inhalers.

“As someone with asthma, I know how expensive it is to get the medicine I need to breathe,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “For families needing multiple inhalers a month, the costs quickly add up, forcing some to choose between their medication and other necessities.”

Senate Bill 3203 limits the cost an individual with health insurance pays for an inhaler to $25 for a 30-day supply. Under Hunter’s proposal, health insurance providers would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

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Fine advances Jordan’s Law

SPRINGFIELD –   One family’s tragic loss will help others in the future. Last fall, an Evanston family lost their son, Jordan while he was seeking treatment in a substance abuse treatment facility. Working with the family, the state and mental health care providers, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to require substance abuse programs and mental health facilities to better communicate and give a patient’s family or caretaker timely notice of the patient’s passing. 

“No parent or caretaker should have to wait days to be notified that their loved one has died while under the care of a treatment facility,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is essential that these facilities and programs have clear standards in place for sharing information with a patient’s loved ones.  No one should ever have to go through what Jordan’s family experienced.”

Under current law, a facility must provide verbal notice regarding a significant incident to the Department of Human Services within 24 hours. However, there is no mandate that requires a family member to be notified of a patient’s death within a specific timeframe.

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Peters advocates to advance the rights of those impacted by domestic violence

SPRINGFIELD – To empower survivors of domestic abuse and gender-based violence, State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday addressing re-sentencing provisions as it pertains to survivors.

“Survivors ought to have more reasonable protections under the law to help them flee existing dangerous situations and challenge misguided plea deals,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Strengthening legal frameworks for individuals involved in domestic violence situations empower survivors to navigate the justice system and seek protection from abusive environments.”

Read more: Peters advocates to advance the rights of those impacted by domestic violence