Dillon’s Law advances thanks to Edly-Allen, preparing our communities to act on allergic reactions
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SPRINGFIELD – According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization (FARE), 33 million Americans have a food allergy, with the most common allergies including milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts. To increase the accessibility of epinephrine to help those having an allergic reaction, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked with House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West to bring House Bill 2462 through the Senate.
House Bill 2462, modeled after a law passed in Wisconsin in 2017, is named after 18-year-old Dillon Mueller, who died in 2014 after being stung by a bee without any previous knowledge of an allergy. No epinephrine was available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout with him or the arriving first responders. This legislation would allow individuals who are properly trained to carry and administer the epinephrine to individuals having an allergic reaction.
“Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this bill could help save so many lives.”
Villa measure securing mental health services for college students advances
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SPRINGFIELD – Citing the increased need for mental health services for students following the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to ensure college students have access to mental health services.
“As a school social worker, I saw first-hand that learning and wellness are intertwined. When students gain access to mental health services, they succeed,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Starting college, moving out on your own, balancing academics and a social life can be overwhelming. It is critical for students to know they have access to support if they need it.”
House Bill 3385 would require public universities and colleges to provide up to three licensed mental health professionals if the institution meets the benchmark ratio of clinical, non-student staff members to students.
Read more: Villa measure securing mental health services for college students advances
Turner measure to prioritize patients over profit passes General Assembly
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SPRINGFIELD – Anesthesia services, regardless of duration, would be covered by insurance companies under a measure led by State Senator Doris Turner.
“Insurance companies have taken advantage of people for far too long,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Insurance coverage isn’t a timeshare, and companies shouldn’t have the ability to sell plans like this.”
House Bill 1141 would require private insurers and all state group health plans to cover medically necessary anesthesia services, regardless of duration, for any procedure covered by the policy.
Read more: Turner measure to prioritize patients over profit passes General Assembly
Aquino bill to ease student loan burden passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD –An initiative sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino to expand loan options for student loan borrowers passed the Senate Thursday.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, it is critical that we provide students with an economic relief tool to help alleviate the often overwhelming burden of student loan debt,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Providing borrowers with additional loan options and lower interest rates will help keep money in their pockets to put toward other needs.”
House Bill 1430 would allow the Illinois State Treasurer to invest in refinanced student loans and work with financial institutions that provide refinancing for student loans. Refinanced loans at lower rates will result in lower payments for borrowers, freeing up spending power and supporting the local economy.
Read more: Aquino bill to ease student loan burden passes Senate
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