SPRINGFIELD – To help social services employees better identify, understand and protect patients with dementia, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is partnering with the Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association on legislation to improve training for employees of the Illinois Department on Aging’s Adult Protective Services division.
“For employees working to prevent abuse and neglect of older adults, it’s critical to be familiar with the symptoms of dementia and the types of abuse that most commonly affect patients living with it,” Senator Fine said. “A well-educated workforce means better protection for aging Illinoisans.”
The legislation would implement an annual two-hour training course for Adult Protective Services employees on the identification of people with dementia, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and best practices for interacting with people with dementia.
SPRINGFIELD – Strengthening existing mental health resources in Illinois and fostering the formation of new support systems are top priorities for State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) in her role as chair of the newly formed Senate Committee on Behavioral and Mental Health.
“As a lawmaker, ensuring every Illinoisan has access to quality mental health care has always been one of my main legislative goals,” Senator Fine said. “The creation of a dedicated committee shows the Illinois Senate is ready to commit the necessary time and focus to understand and eliminate barriers to care. I’m honored to serve as chair to help start those conversations.”
Read more: Senator Fine to chair newly formed Behavioral and Mental Health Committee
GLENVIEW – To keep suburban Cook County residents abreast of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is urging residents to sign up to receive updates, scheduling information and other important notifications on the new Cook County COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program website.
“We’re entering Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan, which means more Illinoisans are eligible to be vaccinated and more vaccination sites are opening up,” Senator Fine said. “I encourage older residents and front-line essential workers to register for updates to make sure they know when it’s their turn to get vaccinated.”
GLENVIEW – To update Cook County residents on the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort and dispel myths about the virus and the vaccine, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will join local elected officials for a virtual town hall meeting Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
“The vaccine distribution process is underway, and many residents have questions about how, where and when they can get a vaccine,” Senator Fine said. “It’s critical that everyone has accurate, up-to-date information when making a plan to get vaccinated.”
Senator Fine has partnered with a number of Cook County elected officials to host the event, including Commissioners Scott Britton, Larry Suffredin and Pete Silvestri; and State Representatives Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview).
The discussion will center on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Cook County. The event is not intended for Cook County residents who live in Chicago, Evanston or Skokie, as these municipalities each maintain their own department of public health and have an independent vaccine distribution plan.
The free town hall will be streamed live via Zoom, and registration is required to join. Register at bit.ly/ccvaccinetownhall to receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
Participants can submit questions ahead of the event by emailing Adam Newman at
GLENVIEW – Students at Glenbrook South High School will be able to learn about nature and make a positive environmental impact through hands-on experience thanks to an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced.
“When kids are learning about the world around them, some of the most important lessons take place outside the classroom,” Senator Fine said. “This garden will not only provide a place for native species to thrive—it will give students the chance to get their hands dirty and enjoy nature.”
Read more: Senator Fine: Grant to local school will benefit wildlife and students
GLENVIEW – In response to higher-than-expected demand for COVID-19 testing in the area, the testing site located at Flick Park Field House in Glenview will add Sunday hours to their regular schedule, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced.
“After the holidays and with many people returning to work, residents have been seeking out tests to ensure they’re protecting their families and coworkers,” Senator Fine said. “I’m grateful to see the testing site is responding to our community’s needs by offering more appointment slots.”
Senator Fine partnered with local lawmakers and the Glenview Park District to bring the site to Glenview, which opened Jan. 4. The site is currently open by appointment Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Starting Jan. 17, the site will also be open Sunday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
In its first five days of operation, the site processed 780 tests, allowing the residents who had contracted COVID-19 to seek appropriate medical care and self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Testing services are available to all at no out-of-pocket cost. Those who are insured must bring their insurance card, but testing is also available to uninsured Illinoisans with an ID.
“If you traveled or gathered with friends and family over the holidays—even if you don’t feel ill—getting tested is an easy, reliable way to make sure you’re not spreading the virus,” Senator Fine said.
Testing is available by appointment only—sign up for an available time slot at http://bit.ly/flickparkcovid. With questions, contact Northshore Clinical Labs at (773) 570-6510 or
SPRINGFIELD – To help all Illinois students succeed in higher education and the career world, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is supporting legislation to improve equity in the Illinois school system.
“In some school districts, students who graduate high school don’t meet the requirements to attend the University of Illinois—our state’s flagship public university,” Senator Fine said. “Establishing equitable, inclusive standards statewide will ensure every single student, no matter their race, income level or hometown, has access to the same opportunities.”
The legislation makes a number of changes to education policy in the state, from expanding eligibility for early childhood services to revamping the American history curriculum, in an effort to reduce systemic inequities in K-12 and higher education.
The bill modifies several K-12 course requirements to meet colleges’ prerequisites, establishing that students must take two years of laboratory science and two years of a foreign language (or sign language) to graduate high school starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, to ensure all students are prepared for the demands of college and the modern workforce, students must receive one year of computer literacy training.
The legislation also takes specific steps to improve outcomes for Black students, including reforming the way Black history is taught through an inclusive American history curriculum and removing barriers that prevent Black people and other people of color from becoming teachers.
“The purpose of a public education system is to make sure every student gets a solid foundation and is able to pursue their dreams after graduation,” Senator Fine said. “Some school districts are already there, but this legislation will help make sure all of our schools reach that bar.”
House Bill 2170 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for final consideration before heading to the governor.
GLENVIEW – To make COVID-19 testing more convenient and accessible for residents of the North Shore, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) partnered with other local lawmakers and the Glenview Park District to open a new testing site at Flick Park Field House, located at 3600 Glenview Rd. in Glenview, starting Monday, Jan. 4.
“Testing is a critical tool in the fight against the pandemic, but many residents don’t have the time or ability to drive long distances to a testing site,” said Senator Fine. “I’m thrilled to be able to help provide this service to the people of the North Shore community, and I encourage anyone who has been exposed or who’s feeling under the weather to get tested.”
Senator Fine partnered with State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview), State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston) to bring the testing site to the area.
Testing services are provided by Northshore Clinical Labs and are available to all at no out-of-pocket cost. Those who are insured must bring their insurance card, but testing is also available to uninsured Illinoisans with an ID. The site is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Testing is available by appointment only.
Learn more and schedule an appointment at http://bit.ly/flickparkcovid. With questions, contact Northshore Clinical Labs at (773) 570-6510 or
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CAPTION: State Senator Laura Fine (right) and State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz cut the ribbon on a new COVID-19 testing site at Flick Park Field House in Glenview.
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