SPRINGFIELD – To better protect 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.

“The youth that fall into this tragic category are in some of the greatest need of help,” Simmons said. “They experience untreated trauma that hinder their unrealized potential in life.”

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

SPRINGFIELD – People would be prohibited from burning toxic synthetic chemicals in Illinois, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that passed the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee Thursday.

“The risk PFAS chemicals pose to people and the environment has become clearer, which is why it’s important we are acting now to reduce the amount these chemicals entering our air,” Belt said. “The Metro East is at an immediate risk of exposure to these potentially harmful substances.”

SPRINGFIELD – As the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States nears, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is leading a measure to establish a commission to carry out celebrations in Illinois leading up to and commemorating the day.

“America at 250 will be an incredibly special time for the nation as we reflect on our history and accomplishments while also charting a course for the future,” Turner said. “I am honored to play a part in creating a commission that will prepare out state to celebrate the anniversary in a unique way.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) will allow Illinois visitors and non-resident students to continue to receive therapeutic services via telehealth from an out-of-state certified social worker they have an established relationship with.

“Finding a therapist is a long and arduous process for many people,” Villa said. “This kind of care isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, and when a good match is found, we should make it as easy as possible for individuals to receive continued care.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) advanced legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee Thursday that would ensure customers get a discount when supermarkets put products on sale.

“Right now, shoppers are only seeing the final price of an item that’s being scanned at the supermarket,” Loughran Cappel said. “This leaves customers often confused as to whether or not they received their sale price because the screen only shows the final price.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. 

SPRINGFIELD – To provide people more accessibility to take care of their sexual health, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to allow pharmacists to provide HIV tests and preventative medications to help reduce new HIV infections.

Simmons’ measure would allow pharmacists to dispense and administer drugs, order laboratory tests, and consult individuals related to HIV pre-exposure drugs (PrEP) and post-exposure drugs (PEP). Pharmacists would first have to complete an educational training course on the administration of tests and medications prior to being permitted to assist patients. 

SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the detection process and determine hereditary risks for breast and ovarian cancers for women in Illinois, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) advanced legislation Wednesday to require insurance companies to cover the cost of genetic testing kits.

“Early detection through genetic testing is essential for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers,” Crowe said. “By offering genetic testing at no cost, Illinois would be on track to provide peace of mind to individuals who are at the most risk.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to create the Real Estate Valuation Task Force to combat discrimination in the housing industry passed an important hurdle Wednesday.

“Discrimination in the housing industry goes back decades, and it has yet to be rectified today,” Hunter said. “Black and Brown people won’t have a fair chance at renting and home ownership until discrimination is addressed on a systemic level.”