Senators Villivalam, Lightford and Pacione-Zayas announce child care agenda

The multi-bill plan prioritizes employee wages, co-payers, eligibility and awareness

SPRINGFIELD – One in three families across the nation struggle to connect with affordable and accessible child care – an all-too-common issue millions of Illinoisans face. Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined their child care agenda to combat low worker wages and expand eligibility at a press conference Wednesday.

“Working families deserve access to quality, affordable child care to ensure their children are in a safe, learning environment,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We also must ensure that our child care providers have a livable wage, the best working conditions, and great benefits. They deserve nothing less and they certainly should not be working in poverty.”

Part of the child care accessibility issue lies within an ongoing worker vacancies. According to a 2022 report by the Illinois Child Care for All Coalition, there are not enough child care spots available for half of Illinois children under six – in part because there are not enough workers. One in five child care workers live in poverty, making hourly minimum wage.

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EMT recruitment legislation sponsored by Halpin, Anderson passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mike Halpin passed a measure through the Senate aimed at creating incentives to recruit much-needed emergency medical technicians in Illinois fire departments.

“Now that we’ve gotten this passed, we need to ensure the money is appropriated in this year’s budget,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I look forward to working with Senator Anderson to get it done.”

Senate Bill 1750 would require the board of trustees of a fire protection district to reimburse the mandatory training expenses of EMTs, EMT-Is, A-EMTs or paramedics who are employed by or under contract with the district. The mandatory training expenses would be covered by a state-funded program.

Read more: EMT recruitment legislation sponsored by Halpin, Anderson passes Senate

Simmons legislation expanding access to liver disease screenings passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To expand coverage for preventative screenings for liver disease, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation out of the Senate on Thursday. 

“Liver disease is a silent killer. Often there are no symptoms for years until the disease is very advanced, so early detection can be vital in ensuring people with liver damage get referral to specialty care and treatments that can improve long-term health outcomes and save lives,” said Simmons (D- Chicago). 

Senate Bill 1282 requires Medicaid, private insurance plans and government employee insurance plans to cover preventative screenings for liver disease for individuals who are at high risk for liver disease, ages 35-65 years old. Those screenings can include high quality preventative screenings such as liver ultrasounds, liver function tests, and other screenings that can help with early detection and management of liver disease.

Read more: Simmons legislation expanding access to liver disease screenings passes Senate

Johnson: We are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expand training on lights and sirens for ambulance drivers going through red lights during emergencies.

“Today we are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents.” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with first responders and people in our community to enhance training for ambulance drivers.”

Johnson’s measure would provide extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency responding vehicles. Further, it would require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

Read more: Johnson: We are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of...