Senate approves Peters' expansion to Reimagine Public Safety Act

SPRINGFIELD – More communities would be able to address the problem of gun violence under State Senator Robert Peters’ (D-Chicago) measure to expand the number of communities that are eligible for gun violence prevention grant money and to make it easier to receive technical and training services under the Reimagine Public Safety Act.

“We should address the problem of gun violence in Illinois by supporting affected communities directly, not punish them,” Peters said. “True public safety belongs to the people, and it demands that we address the underlying causes of violence at the grassroots level.”

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Murphy measure to eliminate red tape for PAs passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) advanced a measure out of the Senate Tuesday to eliminate red tape and modernize health care delivery by making it easier for physicians and physician assistants to serve people with immediate medical needs.

“Our medical professionals have faced unprecedented stress the past year, and it’s not slowing down,” Murphy said. “We must ensure we can reduce the bureaucratic obstacles our health care workers face so our hospitals can be fully staffed and ready to help people in need.”

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Senator Sims advances the Youth Health and Safety Act

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect young women’s reproductive rights and choices, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) advanced the Youth Health and Safety Act.

“We know that most young people alert or involve a parent or older family member in their decision making when something as serious as a pregnancy happens,” Sims said. “In fact, research shows us that the younger someone is, the more likely they are to discuss it with a family member and when they don’t, they have a good reason.”

Under current law, young women, some in troubled family circumstances, must notify an adult family member at least 48 hours before having an abortion. However, Sims and other supporters of the legislation point out that not all family systems are created equal and that youth who come from these circumstances are placed in harm’s way by forcing them into unhealthy conversations.

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Feigenholtz: We are protecting the personal reproductive health decisions of young women

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Youth Health and Safety Act passed the Senate Tuesday:

“The Youth Health and Safety act will modernize and improve the path for young women by protecting their personal reproductive health decisions. This measure is focused on people that are living very complex lives and often have been victims of incest, rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Read more: Feigenholtz: We are protecting the personal reproductive health decisions of young women