Cunningham advances new initiatives for first responders

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced two key initiatives to expand family counseling services and disability benefits for first responders.

“First responders have to overcome an enormous amount of stress on the job, and sometimes that stress can extend to the entire family,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This initiative will strengthen their access to family counseling services, which can be used as a tool to help overcome some of that work-related stress.” 

House Bill 4460 would require every self-insured county and municipality across the state to provide coverage for marriage and couples counseling for firefighters and police officers. Coverage for marriage or couples counseling is not currently required in insurance plans for first responders because it is not considered a diagnosable mental health condition.

Read more: Cunningham advances new initiatives for first responders

Stadelman champions measure to protect utility customers

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect vulnerable utility customers, State Senator Steve Stadelman has introduced legislation that would establish a Disconnection Protection Program.

“Ensuring that our residents have continuous access to basic utilities like electricity and gas is not just a matter of comfort, but of public health and safety,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure would prevent families from having to choose between paying for utilities and other essential needs like food and medicine, especially during times of financial difficulty.”

Low-income households that seek energy payment assistance do not currently have any protections from being disconnected by electric and gas utilities.

Read more: Stadelman champions measure to protect utility customers

Senate Democrats honor fallen police officers at Springfield ceremony

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats paid respect to police officers who have fallen in the line of duty at the Illinois State Police Officers Memorial in Springfield Thursday.

“These brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities are the purest example of selfless duty,” said State Senator Martwick (D-Chicago). “As we honor these fallen officers, we must recognize the lasting impact these individuals have made on our communities.”

The ceremony was held at the Illinois State Police Memorial Statue, which sits on the west lawn of the state Capitol bearing the names of the fallen officers who have lost their lives on duty. Since 1990, a ceremony has been held annually to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. The names of the officers who died while serving during the previous year are engraved on the monument leading up to the ceremony.

Read more: Senate Democrats honor fallen police officers at Springfield ceremony

American Cancer Society addresses the State of Cancer in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) joined forces at a press conference Thursday to discuss the state of cancer and advocate for measures to tackle the deadly disease.

“Increasing cancer awareness and sponsoring policy that positively impacts cancer statistics is a priority,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Since 1990, cancer mortality rates have dropped by 25%. We must act to continue this positive progression and restore hope.”

Nearly 80,000 Illinoisans will be diagnosed with cancer this year and 23,000 will likely lose their lives to the disease.

Currently, cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered by insurance as long as the patient meets the age requirement. Senator Morrison is working with ACS CAN to pass Senate Bill 2697.

Read more: American Cancer Society addresses the State of Cancer in Illinois