SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Medicaid recipients are now eligible for life-saving clinical trials to treat cancer and other serious diseases.

This afternoon, Governor Pritzker enacted Senate Bill 1864, a health care package that includes a proposal by Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) requiring the state’s Medicaid program to cover routine care costs incurred for an approved clinical trial involving the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or any other life-threatening disease, as long as Medicaid would normally cover those same routine care costs for a non-clinical procedure.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that this law will save lives. For too long, some people were granted access to the most advanced and potentially life-saving cancer treatment, and others weren’t, simply depending on which insurance plan they had. That injustice ended today,” Manar said. “I appreciate Governor Pritzker’s demonstrated commitment to advancing equity in health care.”

Initially introduced and carried through the Senate by Manar, the initiative was included in a broader health care package passed by the General Assembly during the abbreviated special session in May.

More than 20% of Illinoisans are covered by Medicaid, making it the second largest type of insurance behind Medicare.

Medicare and private insurance carriers are already required to provide coverage for routine care costs in clinical trial participation. Medicaid is not. This legislation would align Medicaid coverage for clinical trials with coverage under those insurance plans.

Because routine costs would be paid for by Medicaid if the patient were not on a clinical trial, there is minimal cost difference for Medicaid to cover these costs within a clinical trial.

Manar worked closely with the American Cancer Society to draft the proposal.

“The state has taken an important step to ensure the viability of new cancer research in our state and to allow an additional 20% of Illinois residents to have access to the latest treatments and therapies,” said Shana Crews, Government Relations Director at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “We look forward to working with state leaders to further reduce Illinois’ cancer burden.”

CHICAGO – Chicago’s July 4^th holiday was once again afflicted by gun violence across the city, including 7-year-old Natalia Wallace and 14-year-old Vernado Jones. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement in reaction to the devastating events that took place.

“I have dedicated my career to the idea that every child deserves a quality education, a transformative tool they can use to better themselves. Then, tragedies like the killings of Natalia Wallace and Vernado Jones happen, and we are once again facing the dark reality that our children are not safe enough to benefit from any education.

ROCKFORD — Determined to assist Rockford residents navigate their finances after months of economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting credit reporting websites that are offering their services for free.

“No one could have predicted the financial hardships that are plaguing residents across our communities,” Stadelman said. “Credit reporting services can be tedious and people shouldn’t have to pay to know what their credit score is. I’m encouraging people to use the free services that are available.”

Everyone is now eligible to receive their weekly credit report for free through Equifax, Experian and TransUnion through April 2021. For more information, please visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

 “Checking your credit score on a regular basis can make you more aware of what affects it the most,” Stadelman said. “As we continue to live through these truly unprecedented times, one of the best things we can do is remain financially vigilant.”

CHICAGO – Over the past several weeks, Chicago has seen gun violence rates higher than they’ve been in 60 years. In response to the violence, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am incredibly disheartened by all the bloodshed that has occurred in our city. Too many lives have been lost these past few weeks. Our children deserve to live in their communities without fear. Our children deserve to live in areas where their zip code won’t determine their livelihoods.

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and the Illinois State Board of Education announced that funding is available for the Child and Adult Care Food Program to help a variety of organizations provide healthy meals to children.

“Children have been made more vulnerable than ever during the pandemic,” Peters said. “This program will help community-based organizations and over 1,000 child care centers provide kids with healthy meals.”

Individuals in households who participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits. The USDA Household Income Eligibility Guidelines determine eligibility to receive free meal benefits for families that do not receive TANF or SNAP benefits.

If a household’s income falls within or below the listed guidelines, a member of the household should contact their child care center or day care home provider to learn about benefits of the CACFP. They may be required to complete an application and provide income, TANF or SNAP information.

Children enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start programs at approved Head Start facilities and foster care children who are legal responsibilities of the state or court also receive free meal benefits. Parents or guardians should contact their child care center or day care home provider to find out if they participate in CACFP.

MARYVILLE – In anticipation of forecasted extreme summer heat, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) reminds drivers to remain alert, expect slowdowns and be cautious of pavement buckling on roads.

“While extreme heat increases health risks, it also increases risks for pavements to fail,” Crowe said. “To ensure safety for everyone on the road, I urge residents to pay attention to pavement conditions, avoid driving over buckled roads and report issues quickly to officials.”

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, pavement failures or blowouts occur when prolonged high temperatures cause the road to expand and buckle up or blow out, resulting in uneven driving surfaces. Precipitation and humidity increase the potential for buckling.

Pavement failures can be reported to IDOT by calling 800-452-4368 or by reaching out to law enforcement via 911.

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is promoting free credit reporting websites for people to assess their financial situations.

“The COVID-19 crisis has forced many of us to shift our priorities,” Joyce said. “While people are focusing on taking care of their families and making ends meet, it’s important to keep track of their financial situation, too.”

Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—to provide a free credit report every 12 months if requested. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these companies are offering free online weekly credit reports through April 2021.

The information in these reports may affect mortgage rates, credit card approvals, apartment requests and job applications. Reviewing credit reports can also help catch signs of identity theft early.

“By knowing their credit score, people get an opportunity to better their financial situation,” Joyce said. “I encourage residents to check their credit reports often since it can be done free of charge every week.”

To find out more about why credit is important or to request a credit report, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) and the Illinois State Board of Education announced Wednesday that funding is available for the Child and Adult Care Food Program for Fiscal Year 2021. The program helps child care centers, Head Start programs, before- and after-school, emergency shelters and day care home providers by providing funding to offer healthy meals to children.

“Our children’s wellbeing continues to be a priority as we continue to face the current pandemic,” Lightford said. “This program will continue to provide thousands of children with healthy meals that may not be available at home.”