ISDC
  • Home
  • Senators
    • Alphabetical
    • Committees
    • Leadership
    • Find My Senator
  • Caucus News
    • ILBC Committee Roundup
    • Subscribe
    • Majority Report
  • Issues
    • Agriculture
    • Budget
    • Business
    • Criminal Law
    • Diabetes
    • Economic Development
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Ethics
    • Health
    • Higher Education
    • Law Enforcement
    • Seniors
    • Transportation
    • Veterans
  • Multimedia
    • Monthly Minute
    • Photo of the Day
    • Sound of the State
  • Resources
    • Bills / Resolutions
    • Fact Sheets
    • For Educators
    • I Like Illinois
    • Illinois Compiled Statutes
    • Illinois General Assembly
    • Internships
    • Media Guidelines
    • NCSL
    • Senate Schedule
  • About the Senate
  • Contact Us
    • How to contact a Senator
    • Employment
    • Submit Feedback
  • ILBC Pillars
    • Pillar 1
    • Pillar 2
    • Pillar 3
    • Pillar 4
  • COVID-19

Crowe advances plan to offer genetic testing at no cost for women at risk for breast and ovarian cancers

Details
Category: Senator Rachelle Crowe News
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 06:41 PM
  • Crowe
  • Genetic Testing
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • HB 5334

Senator Crowe

 

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.”

Read more: Crowe advances plan to offer genetic testing at no cost for women at risk for breast and ovarian...

Hunter measure to create task force to resolve discrimination in the housing industry

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 06:27 PM
  • Hunter
  • Housing Discrimination
  • Real Estate Valuation Task Force
  • HB4410

housing discrim 032322SPRINGFIELD – 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.”

Read more: Hunter measure to create task force to resolve discrimination in the housing industry

Gillespie moves to end surprise medical bills

Details
Category: Senator Ann Gillespie News
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 06:12 PM
  • Gillespie
  • Surprise Medical Bills
  • HB4703

gillespie 032322SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) advanced legislation to end surprise medical bills in Illinois on Wednesday.

“After an already expensive medical procedure, the last thing a patient needs is to be strapped with additional costs,” Gillespie said. “Our plan will protect consumers from receiving surprise bills long after receiving treatment.”

Read more: Gillespie moves to end surprise medical bills

Ellman advances student-led initiative to make Dolostone state rock of Illinois

Details
Category: Senator Laura Ellman News
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 05:56 PM
  • Ellman
  • Dolostone
  • Dolomite
  • HB4261

dolomite 032322SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is championing a measure initiated by local students to establish Dolostone as the official rock of the State of Illinois.

“Bright, motivated young people from across our state took it upon themselves to do the research and hard work necessary to bring forth this legislation,” Ellman said. “They deserve to have their voices heard.”

 

Read more: Ellman advances student-led initiative to make Dolostone state rock of Illinois

Legislators celebrate the anniversary of consumer protections against predatory lending

Details
Category: Member News
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 05:39 PM
  • J.Collins
  • Castro
  • SB1792
  • Predatory Lending

collins 032322SPRINGFIELD– On the anniversary of the Predatory Loan Prevention Act being signed into law, State Senators Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) reflect on the importance of dismantling systemic barriers to equitable lending practices especially for communities of color at a press conference Wednesday.

“I am incredibly pleased to have seen a year go by since the signing of my legislation capping interest rates on all consumer loans at 36%,” Collins said. “Abusive financial practices target communities of color and entrench racial poverty, which makes interest rate caps so critical for the benefit and restoration of our vulnerable populations.”

 On this day last year, Senate Bill 1792 of the 101st General Assembly was signed into law by the governor after passing both chambers with bipartisan support, officially establishing the Predatory Loan Prevention Act. This measure prohibits lenders from charging interest rates higher than 36% on consumer loans. The initiative, championed by Senator Collins with the unwavering support of fellow legislators such as Senator Castro, is one component of an economic equity package introduced by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

 “Previously, vulnerable individuals looking to get back on their feet were coerced into short-term loans with offensively high interest rates,” Castro said. “This legislation is critical in preventing predatory loan practices and will help create credibility in our communities for future generations.”

The law helps borrowers, primarily those in communities of color and low income communities, escape the vicious cycle of debt associated with interest rates and fees. Studies show individuals in predominantly Black communities are more likely to have a payday loan than their White counterparts. As historically disenfranchised populations rely more heavily on financial institutions for economic support, the 36% rate cap has demonstrated its benefit for Black and Brown communities.

Through their dedication and service to economically disadvantaged communities, legislators continue to work toward the reduction of the racial wealth gap in our state.

###

Senator Bush works to make opioid overdose reversal drug free

Details
Category: Senator Melinda Bush News
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 05:07 PM
  • Bush
  • Opioid Addiction
  • Opioid Overdose
  • HB 4408

Senator Bush

 

SPRINGFIELD – A career-long advocate for the fight against the ongoing opioid epidemic, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is leading a measure to make an opioid overdose reversal drug more accessible.  

“We all know someone who has a friend or family member that struggles with addiction – and the thought of that person losing their life when lifesaving medication is available is devastating,” Bush said. “We must put an end to the red tape and hurdles people have to go through to receive naloxone.”

Read more: Senator Bush works to make opioid overdose reversal drug free

Villanueva to push prenatal vitamin coverage across the finish line

Details
Category: Senator Celina Villanueva News
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 04:57 PM
  • Women's Health
  • Prescription Costs
  • Villanueva
  • Pregnancy
  • SB3634
  • HB4338

Sen. Celina Villanueva

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is sponsoring a measure expanding women’s access to healthy pregnancies by requiring insurance companies to cover prenatal vitamins.

“Having access to prenatal vitamins is equally as important as having access to breast feeding supplies,” said Villanueva. “These measures both prioritize the health and safety of mothers and their babies by reducing the economic barriers preventing them from doing what’s best for their well-being.”

Read more: Villanueva to push prenatal vitamin coverage across the finish line

Villivalam moves to create Indian American Advisory Council

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 03:50 PM
  • Villivalam
  • State Government
  • HB 4070
  • Indian American

­Senator Villivalam

 

SPRINGFIELD – To better meet the needs of Illinois’ Indian American population, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) advanced legislation in the Senate State Government Committee to create the Illinois Indian American Advisory Council.

“As the son of Indian immigrants, I am committed to doing all I can to make Illinois the most welcoming state,” Villivalam said. “This council will uplift Indian voices and ensure all of the diverse communities that contribute to our state’s success have a seat at the table.”

Read more: Villivalam moves to create Indian American Advisory Council

More Articles …

  1. Hunter seeks to implement grants for apprenticeship programs
  2. Belt, elected officials, firefighters highlight measure to encourage long-term volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel
  3. Ellman advances measure supporting Gold Star Families in Illinois
  4. Harris to prevent alimony payments to abusive spouses
  • 302
  • 303
  • 304
  • 305
  • 306
  • 307
  • 308
  • 309
  • 310
  • 311

Page 307 of 743

Follow ILSenDems

Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Sign up for the Majority Report

Laws Going Into Effect 2025

Employment Opportunities

Find Your Senator

Senate Schedule

Bills & Resolutions

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE

phone(217) 782-2728

phone309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Senate Floor, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, IL

Senate President Don Harmon © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube
CHICAGO OFFICE

phone(312) 814-2075

phone160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601