SPRINGFIELD – Leading the charge to address disparities in maternal mortality rates in Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is spearheading a measure to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

“As a mom, I know how necessary pregnancy and midwife services are and how vital it is to lower the maternal mortality rate by ensuring mothers and newborns have the best health care and supports possible,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Black women face some of the highest mortality rates during and after pregnancy, and with this legislation, we will begin to close gaps in coverage and increase safety and care for all newborns and mothers in Illinois.”

Under Collins’ legislation, private insurers would be required to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurance companies would need to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge in expanding the list of documents an employee can request from an employer, and how they can do so.

“Making sure that workers have necessary protections is important to prevent possible retaliation,” said Villivalam. “That’s why expanding the options for what documents they can request, and how they can request them, is vital.”

This measure would expand the list of documents an employee can request such as documents used to determine qualification of employment, contracts that are legally binding to the employee, handbooks, and any written employer policies or procedures.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.

“Students deserve adequate shelter and transportation. It is crucial for their physical and emotional well-being,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Moreover, when basic needs are met, parents are more likely to engage with their child's school activities, attend meetings, and support their educational journey.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation to enhance access to health care services and protect the rights and interests of consumers through a comprehensive plan that targets key issues within health insurance plans.

"This legislation makes health care more accessible and transparent," said Peters (D-Chicago). "It also ensures accountability for large insurance companies that have gone unchecked by making certain they receive proper oversight.”

House Bill 5395 addresses "ghost networks," which occur when networks list providers who are not taking new patients, do not accept the patient’s insurance or are retired. Further, it extends the ban on unjustifiable insurance rate increases to large group plans in Illinois, ensuring access to affordable care.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge in expanding the list of documents an employee can request from an employer, and how they can do so.

“Making sure that workers have necessary protections is important to prevent possible retaliation,” said Villivalam. “That’s why expanding the options for what documents they can request, and how they can request them, is vital.”

This measure would expand the list of documents an employee can request such as documents used to determine qualification of employment, contracts that are legally binding to the employee, handbooks, and any written employer policies or procedures.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones is leading a measure to allow municipalities to have a greater say in its development plans.

“Concentrating IDOT funding for pedestrian and bicycle ways to larger cities will increase efficiency and usability of said funding,” said Jones (D-Chicago). “This measure will make sure that resources are not wasted.”

Currently, IDOT must fund pedestrian and bicycle ways to in conjunction with construction, reconstruction or other change of state transportation facilities in or within one mile of a municipality of over 1,000 people. This forces municipalities to work pedestrian and bicycle ways into their development plans even if they won’t be used.

House Bill 4489 would allow an area of a county within one mile of a city with a population of 50,000 or more to pass a resolution to opt out of IDOT-funded pedestrian or bicycle ways. 

“This measure will give smaller municipalities the power to have more say in their infrastructure,” said Jones. “This will help communities by allowing them to plan and build new construction without the restriction of including pedestrian and bicycle ways.”

House Bill 4489 passed the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen passed an initiative to align nutrition and restraint protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals in state prisons.

“Every jail in Illinois has their own policies and procedures when it comes to pregnant incarcerated individuals and their rights,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill ensures that every pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individual in all county jails and prisons has the same protections.”

House Bill 5431 seeks to align rights statewide to address the lack of humane treatment of pregnant and postpartum people. Additionally, this legislation requires annual reporting on pregnancies, births, miscarriages, and the use of restraints in facilities as well as requiring supplemental nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding prisoners.

Simmons passes legislation to provide culturally competent haircare for youth in care

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth in care to promote healthy hair and self-confidence in our communities.

“Hair plays a crucial role in young people's lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill not only boosts their self-esteem but also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence that can positively influence all aspects of their lives.”

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Villanueva champions measure to enhance Scott's Law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to protect construction workers by enhancing Scott’s Law.

“By establishing safety measures to further prevent accidents in construction zones, we will guarantee the safety of drivers, emergency responders, and those who work in construction and maintenance zones,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Enhancing Scott’s Law is a necessary step to prioritizing protection of construction workers and drivers alike.”

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Porfirio measure offering enhanced transparency for veterans, services members' benefits heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and service members across the state will have enhanced benefits knowledge, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to produce and distribute a comprehensive benefits, services and protections poster.

“This measure underscores our commitment to ensuring transparency and accessibility in regard to veteran and service member benefits,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “By providing clear information about the protections available to them, we are honoring their sacrifices and demonstrating our pledge to supporting them in every way.”

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