Reducing light pollution statewide, Ellman champions new energy-efficient lighting standards

SPRINGFIELD – Artificial light at night is estimated to contribute to the deaths of hundreds of millions of migratory birds each year in the U.S., while also disrupting nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems, according to the National Audubon Society. State Senator Laura Ellman is working to address these impacts with legislation through the Senate aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing harmful outdoor lighting across Illinois.

“Senate Bill 3037 is an important step in combating rising costs on energy bills. This legislation ensures Illinois is using smarter, more efficient lighting that protects both our environment and taxpayers,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Light pollution is more than just an inconvenience: it impacts our health, disrupts wildlife and wastes energy.”

Read more: Reducing light pollution statewide, Ellman champions new energy-efficient lighting standards

Hunter measure targets harmful “forever chemicals” found in beauty products

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans are one step closer to knowing the cosmetics on their bathroom shelves won’t make them sick long term thanks to a measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter to ban such items from containing polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS, or "forever chemicals."

“For too long, the cosmetics industry has operated without the kind of oversight we apply to food, medicine and drinking water,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “We are working to close that gap and put Illinois at the forefront of a national movement to hold manufacturers accountable for what goes into their products and onto our skin.”

Read more: Hunter measure targets harmful “forever chemicals” found in beauty products

Villa advances legislation tackling childhood homelessness

SPRINGFIELD – To provide stability in the lives of children experiencing homelessness, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would expand access to emergency housing assistance for students and their families.

“As a former school social worker, I’ve seen first-hand how housing instability suppresses a student’s ability to learn,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Children cannot be expected to focus on learning when they are worried about where they will sleep at night. Every child deserves a safe, stable place to live, and it’s our responsibility to close the gaps that leave too many families without support.”

Read more: Villa advances legislation tackling childhood homelessness

Feigenholtz pushes for removal of barriers to HIV prevention and treatment

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a landmark measure that would eliminate prior authorization for HIV treatment and make it easier for people to receive vital preventative care.

“Removing barriers imposed by prior authorization and getting people living with HIV into treatment quickly is the path to healthier, longer lives,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

Disparities in health outcomes, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, often stem from limited access to high-quality prevention and treatment services, like PrEP – an HIV preventative medicine.

To bolster statewide efforts to improve access to preventative care and HIV treatment, Feigenholtz is leading House Bill 2584. The measure would require private insurers to cover pre-PrEP HIV and sexually transmitted infection screenings.

Read more: Feigenholtz pushes for removal of barriers to HIV prevention and treatment