Porfirio advances bill to expand medical care opportunities for veterans

SPRINGFIELD — Veterans could receive expanded leave for health care visits thanks to a new bill sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“Veterans across Illinois have earned and deserve the best medical care possible for their service and sacrifice,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We must support our service members by empowering them to get the care and treatment they need.”

Porfirio’s proposed bill would guarantee veteran employees four days per year to receive medical care and treatment they need. Current law restricts visits to hospitals and clinics for examinations only. This bill would authorize veterans to receive care at any health care provider or facility. The bill also expands the acceptable reasons for leave to include treatment for medical conditions.

Read more: Porfirio advances bill to expand medical care opportunities for veterans

Morrison leads effort to expand protections for highway workers

SPRINGFIELD — When drivers neglect to move over for emergency personnel and roadside incidents, they put lives at risk. Recognizing the need for improved safety measures, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced an initiative to enhance protections for those working on and assisting along our highways.

“Police officers directing traffic, highway maintenance workers clearing debris and kind bystanders who stop to lend a hand all deserve to know they are safe at the scene,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation is about better protecting those who put themselves at risk to help others.”

Read more: Morrison leads effort to expand protections for highway workers

Turner measure to improve training for emergency medical dispatchers passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to mandate training for emergency medical dispatchers on how to provide CPR instructions to someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

“We are losing too many of our friends and family to heart disease,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Ensuring that our emergency dispatchers are well-equipped to handle these situations will save lives.”

Senate Bill 1295 would mandate all 911 telecommunicators and emergency medical dispatchers to be trained in telecommunicator CPR. T-CPR involves a dispatcher providing over-the-phone CPR instructions to someone experiencing cardiac arrest. This process is a key part of the chain of survival for cardiac arrest.

Read more: Turner measure to improve training for emergency medical dispatchers passes Senate

Turner advances measures in response to murder of Sonya Massey

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the murder of Sonya Massey, State Senator Doris Turner is leading two measures that advanced out of the Senate Executive Committee Thursday.

“Sonya’s tragic murder brought to light the unjust hiring practices within the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The legislative measures come from conversations with state and county officials, law enforcement and community members. We have to take the necessary steps to ensure this never happens again.”

Read more: Turner advances measures in response to murder of Sonya Massey