Turner: AEDs save lives

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would require AEDs in nursing homes.

“AEDs save lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Having them at nursing homes will increase the chances of survival during cardiac arrest.”

House Bill 1287 would require nursing homes to have an automatic external defibrillator by Jan. 1, 2030. Additionally, Turner’s measure requires all facility staff certified to use an AED to have completed courses in CPR and AED usage.

Read more: Turner: AEDs save lives

Johnson champions Eddie’s Law to bring dignity to end-of-life care in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — After an incarcerated man named Eddie Thomas died alone in a prison infirmary without receiving any end-of-life care, State Senator Adriane Johnson is championing legislation to bring dignity, compassion, and transparency to hospice and palliative care services in Illinois correctional facilities.

“This bill is about basic human dignity,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “No one should die in pain, in isolation or without the comfort of care — no matter who they are or where they live. House Bill 2397 brings transparency to a system that too often leaves people to suffer silently.”

Hospice and palliative care programs are designed to relieve suffering, manage symptoms and honor the values of individuals facing serious or terminal illness. Yet, of the more than 1,500 state prisons across the country, fewer than 5% offer any hospice care at all.

Read more: Johnson champions Eddie’s Law to bring dignity to end-of-life care in Illinois

Villa measure prohibiting listing minors in evictions passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa led a measure through the Senate to shield minors from eviction actions on their records that inhibit their future ability to rent.

“The careless actions of landlords listing minors in evictions contributes to generational housing instability, affecting marginalized communities the most,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Having an eviction on your record is a scarlet letter and these children are having to deal with the turmoil before they’re given the opportunity to build their history as a tenant.”

Read more: Villa measure prohibiting listing minors in evictions passes Senate

Cervantes-led measure to increase supports for students completing the FAFSA clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD — High school students may soon have access to more supports when applying for college and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA, thanks to two measures led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes, which recently passed the Senate.

“There are many barriers for young people to fill out the FAFSA, including the forms being confusing for students who may be the oldest in their family or the children of immigrants with English as a second language,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “If we want our young people to pursue higher education, we need to make the process of applying for financial aid easier. Ensuring their schools have designated times and an expert on the application is an easy way to do that.”

Read more: Cervantes-led measure to increase supports for students completing the FAFSA clears Senate