SPRINGFIELD - State Senators Ram Villivalam and Celina Villanueva lead discussions about achieving clean and equitable transportation, buildings and an electric grid at a press conference Tuesday.
“Sustainable transportation must be made a priority in Illinois,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago) “It supports livable, walkable communities, enables equitable and affordable access to essential goods and services, underpins a vibrant economy, and improves public health.”
The Senators are working on a package of measures to target reaching clean and equitable transportation, buildings and an electric grid that will in turn benefit Illinoisans by providing greater access to affordable, reliable and clean resources.
Read more: Villivalam and Villanueva lead clean energy discussions
SPRINGFIELD – Vehicle owners may soon have another defense in the uptick in theft of catalytic convertors in Illinois.
“Replacing catalytic converters is an unnecessary cost and time consuming burden for vehicle owners,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This measure will provide drivers with a tool to stop the stripping of catalytic converters and hold recyclable metal dealers accountable to stop the illegal sale of these parts.”
Hastings’ measure, House Bill 4589, would require recyclable metal dealers to keep records of the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed and any numbers, bar codes, stickers, or other unique markings of the catalytic convertor.
Read more: Hastings advances measure to combat catalytic convertor theft
SPRINGFIELD - A measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam would make it easier for people who have completed masonry programs to receive community college credit.
“Supporting people who are continuing their education is imperative,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By including masonry into one of the non-degree programs that can be accepted, we will ensure that education is more accessible and equitable.”
The measure would ensure that community colleges accept up to 30 credit hours transferred from a non-degree institution for finishing a masonry program. Currently there are 36 non-degree programs that can be approved, which include programs such as general carpentry, pharmacy technician and welding.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes advanced a measure through the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday that would require insurers to cover treatment for the mental and emotional effects for individuals who have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth.
“For most expectant parents, pregnancy means happy preparations to welcome a healthy infant to their new family,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “The shock and grief of an unexpected pregnancy loss can be overwhelming — it may trigger anxiety, stress and depression, and contribute to substance abuse.”
The Illinois Insurance Code currently requires coverage for mental, emotional, nervous or substance use treatments as they are under the federal Affordable Care Act. House Bill 5282 will explicitly add coverage for miscarriage or stillbirth in addition to the benefits already required by federal law.
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