SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is proud to see a measure that would offer mental health support information on student ID cards being signed into law.

“Providing mental health support to students—whether they’re in middle school or college—is so important, especially as they start to return to in-person learning,” Cullerton said. “Something as simple as a contact number for a crisis line could help prevent unnecessary tragedy in an age group that has seen increasing suicide rates over the years.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) spearheaded a measure that was signed on Monday to help connect residents of long-term care facilities to loved ones during disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve learned from this pandemic how social isolation can have such a negative effect on mental health, especially for older adults in our state,” Cullerton said. “It’s so important that if anything like this pandemic happens again, long-term care facilities have a plan of action to make sure their residents have the opportunity to call their loved ones frequently.”

SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed a measure sponsored by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) that would restore benefits to veterans who received an “Other than Honorable” discharge for their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“From helping cover the cost of education to assisting with housing, veterans benefits play a large role for those who bravely served our country,” said Cullerton, who is a veteran himself. “For some veterans to not receive their well-deserved benefits because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable.”

VILLA PARK – As chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is calling on the U.S. Congress to repay debt owed to the National Guard for their service providing security to the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the Jan. 6 riots.

“The riots at our nations’ capital were a scary time for many,” Cullerton said. “Hundreds of men and women from Illinois were sent with the National Guard to assist in the aftermath of those riots, putting their safety on the line to protect the Capitol. It is only fair for them to be fully compensated for their duties.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) is proud to see legislation expanding telehealth services in Illinois signed into law on Thursday. Cullerton was a co-sponsor of the legislation in the Senate.

“From initial consultations with a specialty doctor to mental health check-ins with a therapist, the use of telehealth throughout this pandemic has provided so many more opportunities for people to access health care,” Cullerton said. “I am so glad to see this legislation signed today, because without it, so many people would lose their ease of access to health care.”

Telehealth services were largely used during the COVID-19 pandemic due to emergency federal and state orders. This legislation will maintain and expand telehealth services by requiring insurance companies to utilize similar billing processes for both in-person and telehealth services.

During the pandemic, telehealth services reduced the number of missed appointments while increasing care plan adherence and improving chronic disease management. For those who are homebound or find it difficult to leave the house, telehealth services allow them to check in with their doctors without the stress of leaving their home. Additionally, telehealth services give people easier access to counseling for mental health.

“Telehealth will not only help patients but doctors as well,”  said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), the primary sponsor of the legislation. “Now appointments can be more efficient when in-person visits are not needed, and disproportionately impacted community members will have access to these services, which were not equitably provided throughout the pandemic.”

House Bill 3308 was signed by Governor JB Pritzker on Thursday. The law is effective immediately.

SKOKIE – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) commends Gov. JB Pritzker for signing the Teaching Equitable Asian American History Act, which will require public schools to highlight the contributions of Asian Americans and their culture throughout history.

“By passing the TEAACH Act, Illinois is acknowledging the importance of inclusion in our schools,” said Cullerton, who attended the bill-signing ceremony at Niles West High School in Skokie. “Students should see themselves reflected in their school curriculums, and that is exactly what this legislation will do for our Asian American students.”

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, hate crimes and attacks on Asian Americans rose across the country, prompting advocacy groups and organizers to develop and champion this legislation over the past year.

There are more than 100,000 Asian American K-12 students in Illinois, and the new law will allow these students and their peers to gain a better understanding of the contributions and cultures of the Asian American community in the United States.

“I am proud to have supported this landmark law,” said Cullerton, who was a co-sponsor of the measure. “By teaching the children in our state a more inclusive history, we will inspire a more equitable and open-minded future.”

The law, Public Act 102-0044, will go into effect during the 2022-2023 school year.

VILLA PARK – July is Park and Recreation Month, and State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) is highlighting the benefits of spending time outside and utilizing public spaces in the community.

“Parks play such an important role in creating a healthy community,” Cullerton said. “DuPage County offers a ton of parks and outdoor opportunities, so I encourage everyone to take some time while the weather is nice to explore what our community has to offer.”

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks play an important role in maintaining quality of life in a community. Parks provide gathering places for members of a community to interact with each other, host public events and offer recreational programs.

From hiking at state parks to enjoying a playground at a local park district, there is something for everyone to take advantage of during Park and Recreation Month.

“Parks and other recreational areas can promote physical fitness, increase the aesthetics of an area, and even bring in money to a community through tourism,” Cullerton said. “Keep an eye out for events through your local park districts for the best ways to get out and enjoy the month.”

Check out what DuPage County has to offer, or visit local park district websites like Bloomingdale, Bartlett, and Carol Stream to see the latest on what their facilities have going on.

VILLA PARK – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) is pleased to announce that Fitch Ratings Agency, which is one of the primary credit rating agencies, revised Illinois’ outlook on General Obligation Bonds from negative to positive. Moody’s Investor Service also recently bumped Illinois’ financial outlook.

“This change in rating is good news for Illinois taxpayers,” Cullerton said. “As Illinois heads to a more fiscally-responsible future, that means more resources will be freed up for residents of our state to get the resources they need.”

According to Fitch, Illinois’ recently passed Fiscal Year 2022 budget and the state’s action to pay back federal deficit borrowing have played a role in getting Illinois’ economy back on track. Additionally, the state has made these gains without sacrificing funding on pension payments and has even allowed the state to increase funding for K-12 education.

Moody’s Investor Service also upgraded their Illinois’ credit rating, further reflecting the state’s commitment to economic security.

“These adjusted ratings are proof that our state has been taking the necessary steps to get on the road to fiscal recovery,” Cullerton said. “Even with the financial hardships from the pandemic over the last year, Illinois has proven itself capable of taking actions needed to reach a brighter future.”

Fitch’s full analysis is available here.