SPRINGFIELD – After a Chicago resident was unable to obtain records regarding a deceased relative from the state, State Senator Lakesia Collins pushed forward legislation that would help individuals access their deceased families’ records.

“If someone needs to obtain records about their relative, we need systems in place to allow for the transfer of that information,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this legislation we are creating a clear pathway for people trying to secure the information of their deceased to make the process easier.”

Senate Bill 2715 would require the Illinois Department on Aging to establish procedures for the disclosure of program records by the Long Term Care Ombudsman.

CHICAGO—State Senator Lakeisha Collins is proud that tastytrade, an online brokerage company, is not only expanding their headquarters in her district, but also donating $600,000 to the Greenwood Project, a non-profit organization giving underserved college students the tools to start financial careers.

“With the expansion of tastytrade in the Fulton Market community, Chicago residents will see new opportunities to continue their careers and lives in Illinois,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Alongside their expansion is an exciting investment in the Greenwood Project, an excellent organization connecting students with opportunities that put them on a path toward meaningful and sustainable careers. I am excited to see these investments in our communities and look forward to the new job opportunities available to Illinois residents.”

Tastytrade was founded and created in Chicago, and was later sold. While the company is no longer a startup, its leadership frequently calls back to its roots by investing back into the Chicago community and offering opportunities to hopeful financial experts in the area. The new office space in Fulton Market covers 35,000 square feet and includes a live broadcast studio for production of financial market content.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is pushing for a measure known as Liam’s Law to provide better bereavement support measures to parents experiencing perinatal and infant loss.

“This legislation is a continuation of our efforts to provide more options to families when perinatal loss occurs,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Requiring hospitals to notify parents of their rights is the least they can do during such painful circumstances.”

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her advocacy for youth in care across Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is pushing for legislation to address their struggles and how Illinois can help with the transition out of DCFS and support their future.

“As someone who has gone through the foster care system and faced homelessness on my departure, I cannot explain how vital this change is for so many who are currently in the state’s care,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Making sure our youth can transition out of care to find stability and thrive in life is my top priority.”

Collins’ legislation, Senate Bill 2820, would extend the eligibility for youth in care from 21 years old to 23 years old, allowing youth to stay in the DCFS system for two more years.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to combat retaliatory efforts from nursing homes on patients.

“Patients in nursing homes should not have to worry about retaliation for wanting better living conditions for themselves,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are making an effort to expand the definition of retaliation to fit actions that are interfering with residents’ quality of life and are in response to protected activities.”

Senate Bill 3559 would expand the definition of “retaliatory action” to include retaliation against residents of nursing homes in the form of reduced access to services, neglect, selective restrictions and other adverse actions that interfere with the quality of life and are related to their involvement in a protected activity.