Villivalam holds subject matter hearing to address public transit challenges

CHICAGO — Senate Transportation Committee Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to hear from advocates and stakeholders about two pieces of legislation that would make changes to governance and address issues riders face.

“Given persistent delays and service gaps that riders face, it is important that we prioritize improvements to our public transit system,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Today, we had the opportunity to hear from advocates and stakeholders about measures that would provide reliable, affordable, safe and coordinated transit to our region.”

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Hunter honors life of former Cook County commissioner and soul singer Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler

SPRINGFIELD — To recognize and honor former Cook County Commissioner and soul singer Jerry “Iceman” Butler, State Senator Mattie Hunter sponsored a resolution declaring March 12, 2025 as “Jerry Butler Day” in Illinois.

“Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler was a dedicated public servant, talented artist and a loving neighbor,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Recognizing his life is an honor as he dedicated his life to advocating, supporting and championing efforts to ensure everyone had access to the care they need.”

Through the resolution, Jerry “Iceman” Butler is remembered for his contributions and work as a Cook County commissioner, as well as his lasting music career. He was raised in Chicago’s Near North Side neighborhood, and lived in the Cabrini-Green Public Housing Development. He attended Washburne Trade School, where he studied to be a chef, but later embarked on a journey in music where he achieved fame as a member of the musical group The Impressions and later toured as a solo artist.

Read more: Hunter honors life of former Cook County commissioner and soul singer Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler

Villa, LaPointe host press conference on equity in behavioral health care services

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa stood alongside State Representative Lindsey LaPointe and fellow legislators and advocates to call for equity in mental health and substance use treatment.

“Many individuals across Illinois are being forced to wait extended periods of time to receive care, have to go out-of-network and rack up extreme debt, or not receive any care at all,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “People who are already paying costly insurance premiums should be able to access the care outlined in their benefits, but can’t because of the lack of in-network providers.”

Senate Bill 55, with corresponding House Bill 1085, would require insurers to cover medically necessary out-of-network mental health and substance use benefits as if they were in-network. The measures would also set minimum reimbursement rates for care providers for proper compensation of their services and incentivize providers to join insurance networks.

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Simmons pushes for language translations on state websites

SPRINGFIELD – To provide translation for the most commonly spoken languages in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons is pushing for legislation that would require state websites to engage automatic translation of the website into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in the state.

“Dozens of languages are commonly spoken in Illinois, and especially within the 7th District. Many state programs and resources are simply inaccessible due to language barriers, which in turn disenfranchises entire communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Translating state websites communicates the importance of being able to access information in a person’s native language, and increases the likelihood that people receive the help they need when turning to state resources.”

Read more: Simmons pushes for language translations on state websites