Preston leads discussions on measure to enhance speech therapy coverage to treat stuttering

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston held a subject matter hearing in the Senate Executive Committee to discuss the need for health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“This bill makes a powerful statement about Illinois’ commitment to accessible and affordable health care,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We are working to remove financial and administrative barriers to those seeking speech therapy services.”

Senate Bill 3972 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.  While current law considers speech therapy a covered habilitative service for those under 19, insurance coverage is clouded by exclusions and limitations of the individual’s policy.

Read more: Preston leads discussions on measure to enhance speech therapy coverage to treat stuttering

Black Caucus: Hate has no place in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Senate chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement in response to hateful, racist text messages targeting Black Americans in Illinois:

“The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is deeply alarmed by the recent reports of racist text messages targeting Black Americans in Illinois and across the nation. These messages, part of a disturbing and growing nationwide trend, are a direct attack on the dignity and humanity of Black people and all marginalized communities. We stand in solidarity with those affected.

Read more: Black Caucus: Hate has no place in Illinois

Koehler outlines recommendations to enhance historic remembrance of Underground Railroad in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler and the members of the Underground Railroad Task Force put forth their statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while establishing new educational and tourism opportunities.

“Despite nationwide efforts to restrict education about our country’s history of racism, Illinois remains committed to shining a light on our past so we can move forward,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Our bipartisan initiative will shed light on Illinois’ historic ties to the Underground Railroad, and honor the brave individuals who fought against slavery and oppression so many years ago.” 

The task force – created through legislation led by Koehler – has spent the last year meeting to devise a strategy for sharing, growing and celebrating the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

Read more: Koehler outlines recommendations to enhance historic remembrance of Underground Railroad in Illinois

Loughran Cappel receives Illinois Chamber’s Bridge Builder Award

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel received the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s an honor to receive the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Supporting Illinois’ businesses has always been one of my top priorities. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges businesses face. It’s important to work collaboratively with my colleagues in the General Assembly to continue uplifting businesses across Illinois.”

The Bridge Builder Award recognizes two legislators from each chamber, one from each caucus, who display a willingness and effectiveness in reaching across the aisle to work together to make Illinois a more attractive place to conduct business.

Read more: Loughran Cappel receives Illinois Chamber’s Bridge Builder Award