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orthotic 032923SPRINGFIELD – People needing a prosthetic or orthotic device to perform certain physical activities may soon have an easier time obtaining the equipment they need, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“Proper prosthetic and orthotic devices can be life-changing,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “It is unacceptable that a lack of insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs prevent people from getting the devices they need to be physically active.”

Current law requires accident and health insurance plans to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices when they are deemed medically necessary. Senate Bill 2195, which passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday, expands the definition of what is considered medically necessary to include physical activities like running, biking, swimming and weight lifting.

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Sen. Mike Simmons

SPRINGFIELD – To increase the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced an initiative out of the Senate on Wednesday.

“Mental health has become a leading concern for parents and children today, yet there are still gaps in mental health care,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation will help to support youth, their families, and schools by providing support, access and resources so students can find mental health care while they are at school.”

Senate Bill 1709 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services and the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for mental health care during school days to help increase the access students have to mental health services.

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Sen. Christopher Belt

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt that would increase transparency and accountability in the operation of housing authorities in the state passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental human right, and this is something that shouldn’t have to be a guessing game for people,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “By requiring housing authorities to collect and report data on vacancies and wait lists, we can better understand the housing needs of our communities and ensure that resources are being allocated effectively.”

This measure would change the Housing Authorities Act, requiring that every housing authority under the act collect data on the number of vacant rental units within each housing project as well as information on whether each wait list maintained by the authority is open or closed.

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ambulance lights

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expand training on lights and sirens for ambulance drivers going through red lights during emergencies.

“Today we are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents.” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with first responders and people in our community to enhance training for ambulance drivers.”

Johnson’s measure would provide extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency responding vehicles. Further, it would require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

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  3. Murphy’s measure to address gap in disability specialist workforce passes
  4. Lightford: Every child deserves access to high-quality reading education

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