Turner: We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner led a measure through the Senate to stop insurance companies from soliciting nursing home residents.

“We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices by insurance companies,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Protections need to be in place to stop the endless flood of spam trying to swindle our seniors for a service they already have.”

House Bill 1865 would make it illegal to solicit a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, or someone over the age of 65 to purchase accident and health insurance unless the insurance company waits 48 hours before making any insurance-related changes and the individual is given the ability to opt out.

Read more: Turner: We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices

Belt passes bill to protect workers’ wages

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt passed a bill through the Senate that would strengthen prevailing wage rules to help workers receive higher pay.

“This key protection ensures workers are treated fairly and paid what they deserve for their labor,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  “We’re fixing a loophole that left too many employees at a disadvantage — because in Illinois, we stand for fairness and dignity on the job.”

Read more: Belt passes bill to protect workers’ wages

Peters leads initiative to protect Illinois workers from federal rollbacks

SPRINGFIELD — A measure from State Senator Robert Peters that would ensure the state maintains strong protections for wage standards, coal mine safety and occupational health, even if federal laws are weakened or repealed, is one step closer to becoming law.

“Illinois workers shouldn’t have to fear that their rights will disappear with the next change in Washington,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill ensures no matter what happens at the federal level, Illinois will remain firm in protecting its workers.”

The measure would prevent the Illinois Department of Labor and Department of Natural Resources from adopting any rules less protective than those in effect under federal law as of April 28, 2025. Peters’ bill would also require IDOL to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law and would allow legal actions against employers who violate them.

Read more: Peters leads initiative to protect Illinois workers from federal rollbacks

Illinois Drug Reuse Program strengthened under Edly-Allen initiative

SPRINGFIELD – Nationally, an estimated $2.8 billion worth of medications are wasted annually. To provide Illinoisans with cheaper alternatives and transparency within the Illinois Drug Reuse Program, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked with State Representative Laura Faver Dias to move House Bill 2346 through the Senate.

“Medications can be ridiculously expensive, often leaving people to decide between rent, groceries or their life-saving medicine,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill is critical to helping our most vulnerable communities and improves a well-established program that has helped countless Illinoisans.”

House Bill 2346 aims to strengthen the effectiveness of the Illinois Drug Reuse Program by increasing transparency for consumers, expanding access to safe, unused medications, and helping reduce medication waste.

Read more: Illinois Drug Reuse Program strengthened under Edly-Allen initiative