SPRINGFIELD – To reduce barriers for Illinoisans trying to access a colonoscopy, State Senator Willie Preston championed a new law requiring all health insurance plans to cover the cost of the procedure when deemed medically necessary.
“Talking openly about colonoscopies can raise awareness and motivate more individuals to get screened,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “With this law, we can further promote early detection and prevention efforts by broadening coverage for the procedure.”
According to data reported from the National Cancer Institute in 2023, colon cancer was responsible for 7.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and 8.6% of all cancer deaths. The Institute also projected that about 4.1% of the population will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point during their lifetime based on data collected from 2017 to 2019.
Read more: Preston’s legislation to expand access to colonoscopies signed by governor
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters’ legislation to expand assistance under the Crime Victims Compensation Program was signed into law on Friday.
“Exposure to traumatic events can have lasting impacts on an individual’s well-being,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It is important for our laws to acknowledge all those who should be considered under this program and to take into account the diverse range of experiences and challenges someone may face.”
The losses suffered by victims of crime are diverse and can extend beyond the immediate incident, resulting in financial losses, disruptions to daily routines and employment, and other long-term physical and emotional consequences affecting an individual’s quality of life.
Read more: Peters’ law improves Crime Victims Compensation Program
CHICAGO - Third in a series of subject matter hearings, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing Friday on the state of public transit and how it supports community quality of life.
“Public transit transforms the lives of our communities, neighbors and families by connecting them to essential resources – giving us a higher quality of life,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By having these conversations, we are able to identify and see how transit supports various areas of our lives, and what work can be done to build upon this support.”
As transit agencies are now seeing a steady increase of rider share after its decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to continue the work of improving the reliability, safety, and accessibility of the system has become a priority.
SPRINGFIELD – A new law from State Senator Adriane Johnson will ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.
“Everyone deserves adequate shelter and transportation. Here, we are able to ensure students basic needs are met,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Helping students and parents in this way promotes mental and emotional well-being, and in turn, academic success.”
The law expands the uses for funds received by school districts from the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program. School districts will be permitted to use grant funding for rental assistance, transportation, emergency shelter assistance, case management services, and other housing strategies. The Illinois State Board of Education reported 58,498 students experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year.
Read more: Johnson law to ensure housing resources for students
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