Holmes seeks mental health care coverage for those who have suffered miscarriage or stillbirth
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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.
Villanueva advances measure to enhance Scott’s Law
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading a measure to protect construction workers by enhancing Scott’s Law.
“It is essential that we establish safety measures to help drivers navigate zone changes to prevent accidents,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “Enhancing Scott’s Law is a simple step to ensuring the safety of construction workers.”
Scott's Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The measure also states, if changing would be impossible or unsafe, drivers would be required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.
Read more: Villanueva advances measure to enhance Scott’s Law
Simmons Leads Bill Requiring Caregivers to Provide Culturally Competent Haircare
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth placed under their care by the Department of Children and Family Services.
“This initiative is designed to promote healthy hair and self-confidence and addresses a critical need in our communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Haircare is not just about looking good or feeling pretty. Hair is deeply intertwined with cultural identity and self-esteem. For many youth, especially those from diverse backgrounds, finding appropriate haircare while navigating the foster care system can be a challenge.”
Recognizing this challenge, House Bill 5097 requires DCFS to include a Haircare Plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare. Simmons’ measure outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.
Read more: Simmons Leads Bill Requiring Caregivers to Provide Culturally Competent Haircare
Senate Democrats rally for permanent funding for community violence intervention programs across the state
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CHICAGO — State Senators Robert Peters, Elgie R. Sims, Jr. and Celina Villanueva joined advocates and community leaders Tuesday outside the Capitol in support of permanent funding for the Reimagine Public Safety Act.
“Our sole objective today is to ensure community violence intervention programs receive the funding they need,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “After enduring years of a system built to fail us, we've constructed a framework targeting the root causes of violence in our most underserved and overlooked communities. It's high time we pledge continued investments in these communities, and I am proud to lead this charge in the Senate.”
Signed into law in 2021, Peters championed the Reimagine Public Safety Act to address gun violence in Illinois by working with the communities most affected. Since becoming law, legislators have pursued additional measures to expand the act, bringing gun violence prevention training and programs to more areas. These programs often include initiatives such as conflict mediation, youth mentoring, job training, and community outreach.
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