The Majority Report 02/12/24 - Expanding fertility coverage, holding funeral homes accountable and more

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, February 12, 2024 06:46 AM

Senate Democrats outline plans to remove barriers to infertility treatment

SPRINGFIELD — Medical treatments for infertility are increasingly expensive and difficult to navigate, rendering a growing number of women in Illinois unable to access the care necessary to start or grow their family. In response, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus held a press conference to highlight legislation they are championing to make infertility treatments like IVF and preservation services more accessible.

“Many women, including myself and those close to me, experience profound anxiety about running out of time to start a family and facing barriers to preserving their fertility,” said State Senator Natalie Toro (D-Chicago). “Requiring insurers to cover expenses for standard fertility preservation for all, not just those diagnosed with infertility, will give people the security to explore their options about having a family without facing emotional and financial stress.”

Turner works to hold funeral homes accountable in response to Carlinville tragedy

SPRINGFIELD — Standing alongside families who have been impacted by Carlinville funeral home’s insufficient handling of human remains, State Senator Doris Turner outlined her plan to reestablish integrity and trust in the death care industry.

“The status quo isn’t working,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These are people who deserve dignity and respect. This legislation will ensure that no family will have to worry that the death of their loved ones aren’t handled with dignity and respect.”

Aquino champions Illinois Child Tax Credit

SPRINGFIELD — Under a proposal announced Wednesday by State Senator Omar Aquino and State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., working parents in Illinois earning the median income or less could soon have the option to claim a state-level child tax credit on their state income taxes.

“The Child Tax Credit I am proposing this year would put money back in working-class parents’ pockets,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “That little bit of extra change helps families stay afloat, provide a good education for their children, and re-invest that money right back into our local economy. It’s why studies show that just this investment in our families would pay dividends, by creating a $1 billion surplus in our economy.”

Faraci moves to give veterans and first responders access to mental health services of their choice

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Paul Faraci is leading a measure to give veterans and first responders access to mental health providers of their choice.

“We have to give veterans and first responders proper access to their preferred mental health services,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Right now, we have police and firefighters who can’t receive mental health services from trained professionals of their choice and we need to change that.”

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