Senator Melinda Bush News

Details: Category: Senator Melinda Bush News; Published: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 09:08 AM

bush 072321 “Across the state, people have been left wondering when lawmakers and stakeholders would step up to the plate to protect the environment,” Bush said. “Finally, after years of fighting the clean energy battle, there is hope. I am proud to have supported the most forward-thinking energy legislation this country has seen.”

The comprehensive energy plan sets Illinois on a path toward 50% renewable energy by 2040 and 100% renewable energy by 2050. Municipally owned coal- and natural gas-fired power plants would also have to reduce their carbon emissions to zero by 2045.

The measure creates the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program to support people impacted by the transition, as well as the Energy Transition Assistance Fund to provide money to workforce development and just transition programs. New wind and solar installations to power communities across the state will also support employees in the energy sector by creating thousands of new jobs.

“We are prioritizing equity, providing job resources and training for communities that have historically been left out of the process,” Bush said. “As we continue down this road, moving away from dirty energy – as we continue to move forward – we are making sure there’s something to help the communities that depend economically on traditional power generation facilities.”

The measure passed the Senate Monday and now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.

Details: Category: Senator Melinda Bush News; Published: Wednesday, September 01, 2021 03:19 PM

GRAYSLAKE — A steadfast advocate of a woman’s right to choose, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) issued the following statement after Texas’ six-week abortion ban went into effect early Wednesday morning due to inaction from the nation’s top court:

“Millions of women across Texas were just stripped of their right to choose — and the impact is bound to be devastating. It’s disheartening and downright appalling that a basic health care right is being attacked in yet another state.

“Restrictive laws like the one in Texas don’t ban abortion — they ban safe abortion. They make abortion more dangerous and kill women.

“While I am relieved women in Illinois are able to depend on the reproductive health care they need, I can honestly say I am afraid of what’s next when it comes to the infringement upon women’s rights across this country. We must stand strong against this misogyny.”

Bush championed a law in 2017 that ensures Illinois women would still have access to safe and legal abortions should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. She also led the monumental 2019 Reproductive Health Act, which repealed outdated abortion laws that have been blocked by the courts and ensured reproductive health care is treated like all other health care, and not as a crime.

Details: Category: Senator Melinda Bush News; Published: Friday, August 27, 2021 04:58 PM

Senator Melinda Bush

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois has more lead lines that bring drinking water into homes than any other state, but under Senator Melinda Bush’s Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act, which became law Friday, that will change.

“Lead service lines are a health threat that poisons our children, undermines our residents’ confidence in our municipal government and costs billions of dollars,” Bush said. “This is a feasible and equitable path forward that would require all cities in Illinois to tackle a problem that we know harms Black and Latinx communities the most.”

The Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act establishes timelines and requirements for the removal and replacement of all lead service lines in Illinois and creates a low-income water assistance program to help fund financial assistance and water projects that include lead pipe replacement.

Details: Category: Senator Melinda Bush News; Published: Friday, July 23, 2021 08:52 AM

Bush reacts to Mississippi’s request to top court to overturn Roe v. Wade

SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast advocate of a woman’s right to choose, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) issued the following statement after Mississippi’s attorney general asked the Supreme Court to overrule Roe v. Wade to restrict abortion access:

“There’s a war against women and their right to choose going on across the country, and it’s appalling how many public officials are contributing to it.

“Abortion is just like every other medical procedure and must be treated as such. Women’s right to make personal and fundamental choices about their bodies must be protected. It is an essential right of health equality, equity and justice.

“I am in complete dismay of the actions and words of the Mississippi attorney general. While I know I can go to sleep each night knowing women in Illinois will always be protected from having their rights stripped away, it pains me to know all women across our country don’t have the same freedoms.”

Bush championed a law in 2017 that ensures Illinois women would still have access to safe and legal abortions should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. She also led the monumental 2019 Reproductive Health Act, which repealed outdated abortion laws that have been blocked by the courts and ensured that reproductive health care is treated like all other health care and not as a crime.

Details: Category: Senator Melinda Bush News; Published: Thursday, July 22, 2021 11:23 AM

SPRINGFIELD – Women – especially those with limited financial resources – will soon be able to receive hormonal birth control without visiting a doctor, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake).

“Birth control is a basic health care service and should be treated as such,” Bush said. “Providing greater access to contraceptives is providing a more equitable health care system.”

Details: Category: Senator Melinda Bush News; Published: Tuesday, June 01, 2021 06:14 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) released the following statement Tuesday after the passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget:

“Following a year of financial turmoil for so many people, businesses, and schools, passing a comprehensive, balanced budget that helps bolster the middle class, encourages economic growth, and increases evidence-based education funding was of utmost importance.

“Despite the effects the pandemic had on the state’s bottom line, we were able to shift our focus to ensure we kept our promise to public schools to increase evidence-based funding and reduce tax burdens on local homeowners.

“The budget passed today is a win for everyone. I look forward to watching the funding from the budget help thousands of Illinoisans get back on their feet.”

Details: Category: Senator Melinda Bush News; Published: Tuesday, June 01, 2021 12:22 PM

Sen. Melinda Bush

SPRINGFIELD – A longstanding champion of ethics reform in Illinois, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) helped pass a measure to hold elected officials, lobbyists and insiders to the highest standards.

“Ethics needs to be taken seriously and members of the General Assembly need to be held accountable,” Bush said. “This measure is about adopting ethics changes that will address the systemic culture within Illinois government.”

Senate Bill 539 makes a number of changes to current ethics laws, including prohibiting elected officials from lobbying other units of government for entities that lobby them, instituting a revolving door for executive branch elected officials and legislators becoming lobbyists and pro-rating salaries of General Assembly members who leave office prior to the end of their term, among other items.

Details: Category: Senator Melinda Bush News; Published: Friday, May 28, 2021 07:04 PM

Senator Bush

SPRINGFIELD – To expand access to birth control – especially for women with limited financial resources – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) passed a measure to allow people to receive contraceptives without visiting a doctor.

“Birth control is a basic health care service and should be treated as such,” Bush said. “Providing greater access to contraceptives is providing a more equitable health care system.”

Many women struggle to access hormonal contraceptives, which historically have only been prescribed through a physician. They may not know where to go, or are unable to afford doctor’s appointments. Pharmacists, however, are typically much more accessible than a physician.

To give women easier, more affordable access to birth control, Bush championed a measure to allow pharmacists to issue hormonal contraceptives, including oral tablets, vaginal rings and topical patches.