ISDC

Details: Thursday, March 18, 2021 02:10 PM

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Senate President Don Harmon welcomed news of expanded vaccine access and plans to re-open the state’s economy.

“We’ve made it to this point thanks to modern science and the personal sacrifices of people all across this state. You’ve followed the rules and kept each other safe until a vaccine was widely available. Thank you.

“I urge everyone to remain patient and vigilant as we head into what is hopefully the final phase of this horrible pandemic.”

Bennett reintroduces measure to prevent pharmacies from hiding drug prices

Details: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 01:59 PM

CHAMPAIGN – To improve transparency around prescription drug costs, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) reintroduced a measure requiring pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that a consumer may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale.

“Retail prices at pharmacies generally bear no relationship to the actual market prices of the medications,” Bennett said. “Patients deserve to know the ‘real’ price of the medication they intend to purchase so they can make an informed decision about where they buy their prescriptions.”

Belt advocates for diverse interview panels to ensure equal employment opportunity

Details: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 01:25 PM

SPRINGFIELD – In order to increase employment opportunities for women, minorities and people with disabilities, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is sponsoring a measure to change the job interview process at state agencies.

“It’s essential for agencies to have diversity in mind when they interview job applicants,” Belt said. “People tend to hire applicants that look like them, which means interview panels that lack diversity can be less likely to produce a diverse workplace.”

Turner moves legislation to expand agricultural education for students

Details: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 06:01 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner’s (D-Springfield) plan to add agricultural sciences as a type of course that may be counted towards the requirement for three years of sciences in order to gain admission to an Illinois public university passed the Senate Higher Education Committee Tuesday.

“The study of agriculture is vitally important, and our curricula should reflect that,” said Senator Turner. “The current exclusion as an option for a science course for admission is a huge disservice to students who plan to one day study and/or work in the field.”

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