Fine rises in urgency against antisemitism

SPRINGFIELD – Standing in defense of Jewish communities across the nation and responding to the recent murder of two Israeli embassy staff members, State Senator Laura Fine shared the fears felt by Jews and called on fellow lawmakers and the public to stand together against antisemitism during a press conference on Tuesday.

“I am horrified, saddened and heartbroken to address yet another act of terror against our Jewish community. I am also angry that the fears our Jewish community has shared for years have been met with silence, giving way to more violence and normalizing extremism,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We must respond with urgency, communicate empathy between communities, and take the simple charge of supporting one another.”

Read more: Fine rises in urgency against antisemitism

Edly-Allen measure to protect domestic violence survivors using workplace resources

SPRINGFIELD – Domestic violence is a serious public health issue across the United States. In Illinois, 42% of women and 26% of men will face violence from an intimate partner. To ensure survivors are not further burdened at work, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen collaborated with State Representative Daniel Didech on House Bill 1278 which passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Victims of domestic violence should not have to worry about workplace retaliation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Survivors should not be penalized for protecting themselves. This bill can - and will - save lives, and I am proud to carry this legislation through the Senate.”

House Bill 1278 provides that employees can use work devices to document or communicate about violence affecting them or their family, and must be given access to related files if needed for legal action. Employers must post a notice about this right.

Read more: Edly-Allen measure to protect domestic violence survivors using workplace resources

Fine spearheads measure to fortify opioid overdose reporting

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure in the Senate that helps people struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges by strengthening reporting standards for overdoses.

“Thousands of Illinoisans face opioid overdoses every year – more than motor vehicle accidents and homicides,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The opioid crisis has taken lives and a sense of security in our communities, which is why it is critical to initiate life-saving preventative measures.”

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Dillon’s Law advances thanks to Edly-Allen, preparing our communities to act on allergic reactions

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.”

Read more: Dillon’s Law advances thanks to Edly-Allen, preparing our communities to act on allergic reactions