SPRINGFIELD – Physician assistants will soon be able to begin new employments at a quicker rate, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D--Des Plaines) that eliminates an outdated rule requiring physicians to file a notice of employment before a physician assistant can begin work.

“Before this initiative, the process to become a physician assistant was stalled with unnecessary paperwork and bureaucratic red tape,” Murphy said. “This law will encourage physician assistants to practice in Illinois—ensuring we have more high-quality practitioners administering care.”

PEORIA – Illinoisans will now have an added incentive to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“We have a highly skilled manufacturing workforce that produces reliable, high-quality vehicles right here in Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering a rebate on the purchase of vehicles manufactured in-state, we put money back in the pockets of our consumers and spur our local economies.”

Illinoisans purchasing cars and passenger trucks manufactured in-state will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title under Senate Bill 3609. Consumers would have one year from the month the vehicle was manufactured to apply for the rebate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) recently championed a law to provide financial incentives to physicians who perform medical services in rural areas.

“We must work to improve access to quality care in rural Illinois,” said Turner. “Passing this law means that people across the state will have increased access to high quality health care.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) championed a new law to bring awareness to child care assistance opportunities for college students with dependents.

“A lack of resources and support systems can shut out parents from pursuing higher education,” Villanueva said. “Education is a fundamental right, and our state’s student-parent population should not be barred from exercising their right to building a better life for themselves and their children.”

SPRINGFIELD – When a woman requires a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes causes estrogen to drop and menopause to begin. Insurance companies will soon be required to cover hormone therapy treatments under a plan led by State Senator Linda Holmes.

“A lack of estrogen causes women to develop osteoporosis, weak bones, hot flashes and other symptoms,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Hormone therapy replaces some or all of the estrogen the woman’s ovaries would be making. Adding estrogen back into a woman’s body lowers their risk of certain medical conditions.”

SPRINGFIELD –Thanks to State Senator Laura Murphy (D—Des Plaines), vehicle owners will now be granted more communication from property owners seeking to tow their vehicles.

“Car owners will have more protections to move their vehicle if a property owner needs it removed from their property,” Murphy said. “This law will ensure vehicle owners are promptly notified so they can move their car—saving both vehicle owners and property managers time and money.”

SPRINGFIELD – As women’s health care rights are under attack nationally, Illinois will serve as a leader to expand access to equitable and affordable family planning services for low-income communities thanks to a $5.4 million grant secured through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Women’s access to reproductive health care is under attack at the national level,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “It is more important now than ever that we in Illinois reaffirm our commitment to these fundamental rights by investing in the organizations that provide vital health services.”

CHICAGO – To better advocate for the interests of children with incarcerated parents in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to create the Commission on Children of Incarcerated Parents.

“Today in Illinois, nearly 200,000 children – or one in every 20 – have had a parent in jail or prison. We need to improve the system so that the bond between a parent and their child is honored and strengthened despite the incarceration.”

The Commission, housed within the Department of Human Services, will be tasked with implementing and coordinating the recommendations of the Task Force on Children of Incarcerated Parents within state agencies. The task force, created in 2020 will propose the changes, and the Commission will work with agencies on how to properly implement the changes.