SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to protect the health and safety of adults who are unable take care of themselves, sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine, passed the Senate Wednesday.
“Individuals facing unfortunate circumstances that prevent them from looking after their personal health should have immediate access to the health care assistance they need,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Connecting them to services and a care plan in a timely manner is essential to prevent self-neglect in the future.”
Senate Bill 2799 creates a screening procedure for cases of self-neglect among adult patients under the Adult Protective Services intervention program. If a patient is found to be a substantial health threat to themselves due to self-neglect, a provider agency must develop a case plan within 10 days and with the consent of the adult.
Read more: Fine advances measure to enhance treatment for adults facing self-neglect
SPRINGFIELD – After a Chicago resident was unable to obtain records regarding a deceased relative from the state, State Senator Lakesia Collins pushed forward legislation that would help individuals access their deceased families’ records.
“If someone needs to obtain records about their relative, we need systems in place to allow for the transfer of that information,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this legislation we are creating a clear pathway for people trying to secure the information of their deceased to make the process easier.”
Senate Bill 2715 would require the Illinois Department on Aging to establish procedures for the disclosure of program records by the Long Term Care Ombudsman.
Read more: Collins pushes for better access to records for families of deceased residents
SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois residents walk through the aisles of their local grocery store, they may wonder how far their food travels before it reaches their table. This has led State Senator Dave Koehler to advance an initiative to make Illinois food more readily available on store shelves.
“This initiative strengthens our food industry in a way that cultivates a stronger, more sustainable food system that benefits everyone,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By bridging the gap from farm to table, we give our family farmers more opportunities to distribute their goods while making fresh produce available to our community.”
Senate Bill 3077 would create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. This measure would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants would include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.
Read more: Senate passes Koehler's initiative to strengthen local food economies
SPRINGFIELD – To ensure educational resources are accessible for children who are deaf or blind, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed an initiative to broaden the scope of services offered at the Philip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn.
“All children, regardless of their sensory needs, deserve the opportunity to receive high-quality education and support,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By extending the services of the Philip J. Rock Center and School, we're opening doors to new opportunities for children throughout our community.”
Currently, the Philip J. Rock Center and School only serves students who are both blind and deaf. It is the only publicly funded residential school in the country for deaf-blind students. The school currently assists nine students from age three through 21.
Read more: Senate passes Glowiak Hilton initiative to expand services for deaf, blind students
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