Guzmán measure to remove income limits for the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure people with disabilities no longer have to choose between higher pay and receiving essential disability services, State Senator Graciela Guzmán introduced legislation to remove the income and asset limits currently on the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program.  

“People with other ability levels are not expected to pass up on job opportunities because they would lose access to essential health care coverage,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program does amazing work to support individuals with disabilities, but could be an even better asset if it was expanded to support folks making a higher income.” 

The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities was created in 2002 so that people with disabilities can work without fear of losing access to Medicaid coverage or being denied health care for preexisting conditions. Currently, this program is only available to individuals who make less than 350% of the Federal Poverty Level and have less than $25,000 worth of non-exempt assets. For an individual, this means making $4,564 a month or $54,775 annually. 

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Cunningham advances measure to expand leave for new parents

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure that would ensure protected leave for employees whose newborns require intensive care after birth.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their job and sitting by their baby’s side in the NICU,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This measure provides working people the breathing room they need during a medical crisis.”

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Simmons Fights for RTA Free Transit for Low-Income Individuals

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons continued his push for a program that would provide free transit for anyone whose income is below 138% of the federal poverty level.

“While public transit fares may appear affordable to some, providing RTA free transit to low-income families and individuals directly benefits single parents and caregivers, people living with a disability, seniors, young people trying to start their career, and survivors of domestic violence,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Although CTA, Metra, and Pace have free and reduced fares, they are limited to seniors and people with disabilities. This bill increases eligibility so more folks can independently access doctor’s visits, mental health appointments, school commutes, provide care for family members, and run every day errands.”

Under Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 1388, the Regional Transit Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, PACE and Metra would create a program to provide free transit to residents earning under 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $15,650 annually.

Read more: Simmons Fights for RTA Free Transit for Low-Income Individuals

Walker measure prioritizing digital consumer protection one step closer to law

SPRINGFIELD — According to a recent Pew Research poll, 63% of adult Americans have little to no confidence in the reliability and safety of crypto. Stronger consumer protections and greater consumer trust for those using digital coin are one step closer to becoming reality in Illinois thanks to State Senator Mark Walker.

“Illinois consumers need a safe environment to feel confident in engaging in this new digital market,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This legislation would build the bridge to promote trust between digital currency companies and consumers.”

House Bill 742 — identical to Walker’s Senate Bill 1797 introduced this session — outlines what requirements digital asset companies must have to operate in Illinois. Also known as the Digital Assets and Consumer Protection Act, House Bill 742 would create requirements for consumer disclosures, proof of financial fitness and procedures for digital coin companies that create a safe digital environment.

Read more: Walker measure prioritizing digital consumer protection one step closer to law