SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) led a joint hearing of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee and the House Mental and Substance Abuse Committee on Friday to hear testimony on eliminating barriers to mental health and addiction care.

“The need for mental health and addiction care has never been more acute than it is right now, in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Senator Fine. “This is an emotional yet critical issue we must address as it affects us, our family members and our friends.”

EVANSTON – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced that Evanston is set to receive more than $800,000 in local transportation project funding over the next three years. 

“Investing in our local infrastructure will create new jobs and foster economic development across the 9th District while ensuring our roads and bridges receive the essential improvements they need,” said Senator Fine. “I look forward to seeing the new projects our communities select to enhance our local infrastructure.” 

GLENVIEW – To advocate for a solution to skyrocketing prescription drug prices and high out-of-pocket costs for patients, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for a town hall Monday night to discuss a new bill that would require insurers to offer more predictable prescription medication coverage.

“An individual with cancer or another life-threatening disease should be able to follow the treatment plan set by their doctor without having to skip meals, mortgage payments or other necessities,” Senator Fine said. “Lower, more transparent prescription drug pricing is critical to improving health care access across Illinois.”

At the town hall, Senator Fine discussed the importance of affordable health care and highlighted current laws and new legislation to help reduce patients’ out-of-pocket expenses.

Senator Fine has signed on to a bill that would require health insurance companies to offer plans with more stable specialty prescription drug coverage, such as a flat fee copay or a copay cap.

Of the more than 500 plans offered across all insurance companies and counties in Illinois, less than 10% provide patients with an affordable, predictable way to pay for specialty medicines. As a result, patients often don’t know the true cost of their prescription until they get to the register at the pharmacy.

“No patient should have to worry whether they’ll be able to afford their life-saving medication,” Senator Fine said. “Reasonable, reliable cost-sharing requirements can help give Illinois patients and families the stability they need to access care and better their health.”

Senator Fine is chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 275, which has been assigned to the Insurance Committee.

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.”

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.”