SPRINGFIELD – Every second counts when a loved one goes missing, but for individuals with developmental disabilities, finding them quickly can be even more challenging. State Senator Paul Faraci is aiming to change that by creating the Golden Search Awareness Program, ensuring families, caregivers and communities have the tools and awareness necessary to bring missing people home safely.

“When someone with a developmental disability goes missing, time and awareness are critical,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This legislation will ensure law enforcement, families and the public know how to respond, giving our most vulnerable neighbors a better chance at being found quickly and safely.”

Currently, Illinois relies on broad alert systems such as the AMBER Alert and Silver Alert, which do not always account for the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Faraci’s measure would establish a Golden Search Task Force, which would work to implement a statewide awareness program in coordination with the Endangered Missing Person Advisory. This initiative would help educate communities, law enforcement and organizations that support individuals with disabilities, making certain they know how to recognize and respond when someone with developmental disabilities goes missing.

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura is spearheading efforts to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As we grapple with the effects of climate change, such as abnormally large and powerful storms, we must invest in climate resilience projects to protect Illinoisans from future disasters.”

Senate Bill 2306 aims to expand the scope of clean energy projects under the Climate Bank Loan Financing Act to include storm resilience, nature-based solutions, and water and climate risk mitigation. This may include federal or other funds that can be used for clean water, drinking water, and wastewater treatment, or climate resilience projects.

SPRINGFIELD – With an underrepresentation of BIPOC mental health providers in Illinois, State Senator Javier Cervantes led legislation through committee to encourage students of color to enter this important field by establishing a scholarship program.

“If you do not feel comfortable to open up and be vulnerable in therapy, you will not be able to make much progress—and many people do not feel comfortable explaining their struggles to someone outside of their racial or cultural background,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This bill is all about reducing the barriers for people of color to access and benefit from mental health care.”

According to surveys conducted by the Behavioral Health Workforce Center, there is a drastic underrepresentation of people of color in Illinois' mental health workforce. Additionally, nearly 75% of providers offered services exclusively in English. This negatively affects mental health outcomes of people of color by deterring them from seeking service out of fear or previous experiences with a provider not being able to offer the most helpful coping strategies, as they do not fully understand their lived experiences and root causes of trauma. Barriers in understanding due to language or cultural background can also cause issues in effectiveness of treatment.

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure women have the information they need to make informed family planning decisions, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is sponsoring legislation to facilitate conversations between patients and physicians.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to family planning, which is why women need to be informed of all options available to them,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This bill is about empowering women with the knowledge they need to plan their futures.”

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the ability for a woman to get pregnant starts to decline at age 30. To assess a woman’s likelihood of getting pregnant on their own, health care providers can use ovarian reserve testing — a blood test and ultrasound — to estimate the number of healthy eggs in a woman’s ovaries.

SPRINGFIELD – Under legislation sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, the state’s sexual assault services voucher program would cover payment for transportation following treatment, removing barriers for survivors in a time of need.

“The aftermath of a traumatic event can be incredibly emotional, painful and challenging,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This legislation aims to improve access to crucial services, allowing survivors to focus on healing and recovery.”

After an individual receives medical care for a sexual assault, hospitals issue a voucher that a patient can use for related health care expenses. The voucher is valid for 90 days from the date of their hospital visit and can cover costs such as ambulance rides, medical forensic or laboratory services, pharmacy expenses and follow-up health care treatment.

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, including State Senators Celina Villanueva and Graciela Guzmán as well as other Senate colleagues, stood alongside Service Employees International Union members to push for a dignified pay for home care workers in Illinois at a rally Tuesday.

“Direct service workers are on the front lines, ensuring that our most vulnerable are taken care of and are able to live an independent and dignified life,” stated Guzmán (D- Chicago). “A living wage is the bare minimum of what these workers need and deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her support for mothers across Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to give mothers enrolled in Medicaid better access to maternal health services.

“I know the hardships of being a new mother, and for those on Medicaid, having a doula by their side can be a lifeline,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This is one more way Illinois can assist new moms and continues our commitment to expanding care to marginalized communities and those who rely on Medicaid.”

Under Senate Bill 2437, hospitals and birthing centers would be required to give patients enrolled in Medicaid the option to select a certified doula through the Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula Program. Covered doula services can include counseling and support, newborn care, development of a birth plan, attendance at health care appointments, support during labor and delivery and more.

SPRINGFIELD — To improve how the state identifies and supports victims of human trafficking, State Senator Julie Morrison joined the director of Illinois State Police, state agency representatives and a trafficking survivor at a press conference Wednesday to outline her bipartisan proposal to streamline services among agencies.

“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that too often goes unrecognized,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation is the result of years of collaboration aimed at strengthening efforts to identify individuals who are being exploited and enhancing support for survivors in their recovery.”

Senate Bill 2323 works to address human trafficking in Illinois through a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach. Based on recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group — formed in 2023 with input from over 60 stakeholders and state agencies — the bill would establish a strategic plan to build a network of services for trafficking survivors, including the creation of standards of care for medical and legal service providers.