New Holmes law requires insurance coverage for post-hysterectomy hormone therapy treatment for women

SPRINGFIELD – When a woman requires a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes causes estrogen to drop and menopause to begin. Insurance companies will soon be required to cover hormone therapy treatments under a plan led by State Senator Linda Holmes.

“A lack of estrogen causes women to develop osteoporosis, weak bones, hot flashes and other symptoms,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Hormone therapy replaces some or all of the estrogen the woman’s ovaries would be making. Adding estrogen back into a woman’s body lowers their risk of certain medical conditions.”

Read more: New Holmes law requires insurance coverage for post-hysterectomy hormone therapy treatment for women

New Murphy law requires property owners to give notice before towing people’s cars

SPRINGFIELD –Thanks to State Senator Laura Murphy (D—Des Plaines), vehicle owners will now be granted more communication from property owners seeking to tow their vehicles.

“Car owners will have more protections to move their vehicle if a property owner needs it removed from their property,” Murphy said. “This law will ensure vehicle owners are promptly notified so they can move their car—saving both vehicle owners and property managers time and money.”

Read more: New Murphy law requires property owners to give notice before towing people’s cars

Senate Democrats applaud record funding to support family planning services

SPRINGFIELD – As women’s health care rights are under attack nationally, Illinois will serve as a leader to expand access to equitable and affordable family planning services for low-income communities thanks to a $5.4 million grant secured through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Women’s access to reproductive health care is under attack at the national level,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “It is more important now than ever that we in Illinois reaffirm our commitment to these fundamental rights by investing in the organizations that provide vital health services.”

Read more: Senate Democrats applaud record funding to support family planning services

Hastings’ measure to provide veteran dependents with scholarship assistance now law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to create greater access to the MIA/POW Scholarship for children of veterans is now law in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 3762, which allows legally adopted dependents under the age of 18 at the time of adoption and step-children who were under the age of 18 at the time of marriage would be eligible for the MIA/POW Scholarship.

“This new law will provide support to families that have already made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation,” said Hastings. “Helping our heroes’ children obtain a college education is the least we could do to thank them for their service.”

Read more: Hastings’ measure to provide veteran dependents with scholarship assistance now law