SPRINGFIELD – Emphasizing the critical need for improved access to colonoscopy screenings, State Senator Willie Preston joined State Representative Cyril Nichols at a press conference Wednesday to highlight a new measure, House Bill 2385, that would facilitate the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.
“Discussing colonoscopies may not be the easiest conversation to have, but it's a vital one, especially for Black men,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Increasing access to colonoscopy screenings empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being and provides peace of mind through preventative care.”
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, yet it is highly preventable through early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. During the press conference, speakers emphasized the significance of regular screenings for individuals, especially Black men over the age of 39, as well as those with a family history of the disease or other risk factors.
Read more: Preston highlights the importance of removing barriers to preventative care
SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring more nurses to Illinois medical facilities, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced a measure to extend the time nurses can practice while waiting for the review of their license application.
“This measure would allow our nurses to continue to work and provide the care that many people need,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By providing our nurses with the opportunity to learn and build relationships with their patients they will have a better understanding of their work environment by the end of their application process.”
House Bill 5047 would allow advanced practice registered nurses with pending applications to practice under supervision for six months while waiting for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s review of their application. Under current law, this status is revoked after three months. These nurses would need to have completed at least 250 hours of continuing education in their area of certification and have at least 4,000 hours of clinical experience to be applicable for this opportunity.
Read more: Glowiak Hilton initiative extends time nurses can practice during license review
SPRINGFIELD – To help strengthen the creative arts economy in Illinois, State Senator Dave Koehler passed an initiative to form a Creative Economy Task Force to help the state attract and retain diverse businesses and talent.
“Creative businesses employ thousands of Illinoisans from all backgrounds,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “In today’s digital era, creative arts are a driving force for our economy. This legislation keeps us ahead of the curve and will promote job opportunities for those seeking new ventures.”
The arts and culture sector generates $31.1 billion in economic impact and employs over 190,000 workers in Illinois, making it the fifth largest state for arts and culture employment. Illinois arts deliver over $478 million in state and local government revenue each year.
Read more: Koehler measure would strengthen Illinois’ arts industry
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III advanced a measure on Tuesday to increase transparency of homeowner insurance policy coverage.
“When you choose a homeowner insurance policy you should have a full picture of what the policy covers,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This legislation empowers homeowners to make educated financial decisions about their homeowner insurance policies.”
House Bill 5357 would require an insurer to disclose whether a homeowner's insurance policy covers damage from a sewer backup or overflow from a sump pump when issuing or quoting a homeowner's policy. Further, the measure would require insurance companies to offer the policyholder an opportunity to purchase this coverage if the policy does not already include it.
Read more: Harris advances measure to increase transparency for homeowners
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