Senator Holmes applauds Magick Woods expansion in Aurora

Aurora, Ill. – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) was thrilled to learn of a significant expansion of cabinet manufacturer Magick Woods’ operations and distribution in Aurora this week, bringing a second location, three new assembly lines and 50 permanent jobs to the area.

“If you’ve been trying to buy new cabinets or vanities lately, you know delays are putting homeowners in a pinch. I’m excited Magick Woods has decided to make this major investment in our community to help serve the needs of large consumer retail stores across the country,” Holmes said.

Read more: Senator Holmes applauds Magick Woods expansion in Aurora

Harris legislation would require insurance companies to offer predictable drug co-pay plans

SPRINGFIELD - To help patients better manage their prescription costs, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) passed legislation out of the Senate Insurance Committee that would require all Illinois-regulated health insurance companies to offer flat-dollar co-pay plans for drug benefits. 

"Working families could better plan for their health care costs if they paid fixed out-of-pocket amounts for their prescribed medicine," Harris said. "I want to make sure plans are available that offer that option."

Read more: Harris legislation would require insurance companies to offer predictable drug co-pay plans

Simmons’ plan to ban discrimination against hairstyles in schools passes Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ (D-Chicago) legislation to end the practice of discriminating against students’ hairstyles in schools passed the Illinois Senate Wednesday afternoon.

“We took a major step forward today in passing this bill out of the Senate and sent a message to our young people that we see them and respect them for who they are. Black youth in particular have endured decades of systemic discrimination targeting their hairstyles in schools, and it’s time to turn the page on that history. I thank my colleagues for supporting the bill,” Simmons said. 

Read more: Simmons’ plan to ban discrimination against hairstyles in schools passes Illinois Senate

Senate Black Caucus Chair speaks out for Gregory

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Chair of the Senate Black Caucus, released the following statement in support of the “Speak Out for Gregory” movement:

“A mental health crisis is not a crime and should not be treated as such,” Peters said. “Gregory was having a mental health crisis and was suicidal, and the situation was made worse and almost cost him his life. We need to invest in alternative responses so that this never happens again, because our responsibility is to provide treatment, not trauma.”