The Majority Report 07/17/23 - Increasing mental health coverage

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, July 17, 2023 07:13 AM

Fine law guarantees telehealth appointments for mental health treatment will be covered under Medicaid plans

SPRINGFIELD – During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people began utilizing mental health counseling via telehealth appointments. With many Illinoisans still benefiting from this form of treatment, State Senator Laura Fine led a new law to ensure these telehealth appointments will continue to be covered under Medicaid insurance plans even though COVID-19-related telehealth policies are expiring.

“Patients prefer telehealth appointments for a variety of reasons, including time-saving convenience or having the opportunity to get treatment from a specialist who is not locally available,” said Fine (D-Glenview). This initiative will ensure Medicaid patients are still able to access this care with their insurance.”

Joyce law to recruit more volunteer firefighters

SPRINGFIELD – State employees will now be able to take time off for firefighter training thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“There are many communities in the state that rely on volunteer firefighters,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “If we continue to see a shortage in the number of volunteer firefighters, we are leaving these communities extremely vulnerable and without the immediate assistance they need.”

Cervantes law will allow veterans and immigrants to return to real estate career

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes spearheaded a new law that will waive certain requirements for veterans and those without a social security number who are seeking a real estate license.

”This law assists veterans and immigrants who are going to continue their real estate career in Illinois and have run into barriers in their continuing education requirements,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With this law, we will help individuals reinstate their real estate license and continue their practice in Illinois.”

Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate record-breaking tourism growth

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated news that Illinois hotel revenue during the 2023 fiscal year exceeded the highest pre-pandemic record, bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and hospitality jobs.

“These numbers show once again that people all across the country and all around the world think Illinois is great and can’t wait to come here,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Illinois is a world-class destination that from the Shawnee National Forest to the shoreline of Lake Michigan – and all points in between – has something terrific to offer everyone. This success is a collaborative effort and shows we can balance budgets, grow the economy and break records all at the same time.”

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