EAST ST. LOUIS – In order to remove the growing concerns of procedural fairness in all industries for people of color, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) says equity in food access, agriculture, cannabis and technology needs to further addressed. 

“Accessing healthy food is still a challenge for many families, particularly those living in low-income neighborhoods, communities of color and rural areas,” Belt said. “Food insecurity has heavily increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and the issue needs to be further addressed.” 

On Friday, the Senate Executive, Commerce and Economic Development, and Agriculture Committees held a joint hearing on equity in food access, agriculture, cannabis and technology. The discussion focused on increasing access to healthier foods in food deserts, threats to agricultural lands, equity in rural, suburban and urban farming, and equity in the cannabis industry.

As the scheduled fall veto session quickly approaches, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus continues to host a number of hearings in preparation of passing its legislative agenda to combat systemic racism.

The Senate Education and Higher Education Committees held a joint hearing Wednesday to focus on efforts to prepare Illinois youth to enter the workforce. The committee touched on career and technical education (CTE) programs, the Illinois Pathways program, and the Illinois Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act.

“With few or no work experience programs available in their communities, students can’t build the job readiness skills they’ll need to excel in the workforce after graduation,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Chicago). “CTE programs are an essential part of preparing students for high-demand, skilled careers.”

DANVILLE – As testing continues to be a priority in stopping the spread of COVID-19, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site in Danville this weekend.

“Vermilion County’s COVID-19 numbers are going in the wrong direction – we need to do our part,” Bennett said. “It’s essential that we continue to test for this virus to understand its presence in our community and the rest of the state.”

The testing site will be available Friday through Sunday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College, located at 200 S. College St.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus held a joint hearing Friday to discuss the need for cultural competency among professionals in the health care industry, where State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advocated for increased implicit bias training and anti-racist practices to ensure equity for patients of color.

“Structural racism must be examined in every facet of the health care system,” Hunter said. “It’s crucial that Black and Brown patients have access to health professionals that look like them, or at the very least, understand their circumstances. We need more diversity in the industry, with professionals who understand the inequities Black and Brown patients face, especially in terms of maternal mortality.”

DES PLAINES – The open enrollment period is now underway for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, and to help Illinoisans navigate their coverage options, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a live Q&A with Get Covered Illinois on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

“Especially during a pandemic, it’s critical to have a dependable health insurance plan that fits your needs,” Murphy said. “Get Covered Illinois offers helpful tools and one-on-one assistance to help make the enrollment process as smooth as possible.”

CHICAGO – In a continuing push to form a legislative agenda ahead of the upcoming fall veto session, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus convened lawmakers from both chambers of the General Assembly to discuss criminal justice reform during a joint Senate hearing on Thursday.

“You cannot quantify the loss of trust between communities and law enforcement,” State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago). “The inability to have a relationship between communities that is transparent, strong and built on trust is not a current reality, but it should be. These discussions are crucial to discover and implement meaningful solutions to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the people that they serve.”

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined the Senate Education and Higher Education Committees for a hearing focused on efforts to prepare Illinois youth to enter the workforce, including career and technical education (CTE) program, the Illinois Pathways program and the Illinois Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act.

“With few or no work experience programs available in their communities, students can’t build the job readiness skills they’ll need to excel in the workforce after graduation,” Lightford said. “CTE programs are an essential part of preparing students for high-demand, skilled careers.”

CHICAGO – To discuss the importance of cultural competency and diversity within the health care workforce, Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison will lead a joint Senate committee hearing Friday morning.

“Black people die because of implicit bias. There are doctors who don’t listen to their Black patients, and don’t believe them when they say they’re in pain,” Van Pelt said. “Views that stem from the era of slavery about Black people being subhuman are still prevalent today and that needs to be addressed. We need more diversity in the industry, and a better understanding of disparities Black and Brown patients face.”

“Children, families and individuals who enter the human services network are already on edge and uncomfortable – and the lack of diverse employees that can relate to them doesn’t help,” Morrison said. “We must do more to hire and retain a workforce that resembles the individuals we are trying to help. Through further understanding the needs of the communities and having more multilingual staff, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in need.”

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will be available at 9 a.m.

Additional witnesses can submit written testimony online at www.ilga.gov.

WHO: Senate Public Health Committee Chair Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), and members of the committees

WHAT: A joint committee hearing on diversity and cultural competency in health care

WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here: https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.