ELGIN – Tuesday marked an important announcement from the White House about new commitments to support safe pregnancies and childbirth, an issue for which State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) has been a longtime advocate.

“Study after study have shown that Black mothers face disproportionate risks during and immediately following birth,” Castro said. “This last legislative session, I championed a law to help address that, and I am glad to see this issue being highlighted at the federal level.”

Public Act 102-0665, a Castro-sponsored measure that was signed into law in October, provides support for pregnant and new mothers for pregnancy-related conditions, including mental health and substance use disorders by requiring private insurance plans to cover postpartum complications up to one year after delivery.

Tuesday’s announcement from the White House designating the day as a Maternal Health Day of Action addresses ways that federal and state governments can help mothers stay healthy during and after pregnancy, including an investment of over $3 billion from the Build Back Better Act to go toward maternal health funding.

Additionally, it encourages the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to release new guidance on postpartum care and create a proposal for the establishment of a “Birthing-Friendly” hospital designation. 

“Illinois leads the way in supporting new mothers, especially Black mothers who have long faced difficult disparities in the health care system,” Castro said. “This announcement from the White House will build on the work we've done already and shine a brighter light on what still needs done.”

In addition to her work on Public Act 102-0665, Castro also advocated for extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers from 60 days postpartum to one year, something the White House will begin encouraging following Tuesday’s announcement.

DANVILLE – To help folks stay warm during the cold winter months, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and Robinson Chiropractic are collecting socks to benefit area shelters through Thursday, Dec. 23.

“The holidays are a time when we tend to be thinking of people that are in need in our community,” Bennett said. “I encourage people to consider helping folks in our shelters by donating a pair of new socks to help them keep warm.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness — but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

Community members are encouraged to donate brand new socks for men, women and children at the collection locations below:

• Bennett’s District Office located at 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323 in Danville
  • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Robinson Chiropractic located at 3595 N. Vermilion St. in Danville
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Thursday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Robinson Chiropractic located at 111 N. State St., Suite C in Westville
  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. to noon; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 1:30-6 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to noon

Collection boxes will be located outside of each office and donations will benefit Crosspoint at the Y Homeless Program, Danville Rescue Mission and Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.

For questions or additional information, contact Bennett’s office at 217-442-5252 or Robinson Chiropractic at 217-442-2273.

HIGHWOOD – Children in foster care will soon be wearing new pajamas thanks to the many community members and partners who donated to Senator Julie Morrison’s “Sweet Dreams” pajama drive.

“During this giving season, our community stepped up to donate nearly 800 pajamas. Adding the scarves, gloves and socks, more than 1,800 items were donated to keep kids in need warm this winter,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Because of the generosity of so many donors, children in foster care will have new pajamas and cold weather accessories to keep them warm.” 

In Illinois alone, more than 21,000 youth are in foster care are removed from their homes with only the clothes they were wearing at the time. As residents learned this, they were moved to participate.

A child who had a birthday party requested guests bring a donation to the drive. Businesses served as collection sites so people could donate at locations convenient to them. A knitting and crocheting group created handmade hats, mittens, and scarves specifically for the drive. Local organizations across the area, including libraries, service organizations, private businesses, and churches partnered with Morrison. Through this community-wide effort, Morrison’s office was able to collect hundreds of items from people and groups throughout the district she represents.

“Working together with Senator Morrison to collect items to help those in need is something the Northbrook Public Library was excited to participate in,” said Kate Hall, the library’s executive director. “The Northbrook community brought in many donations. We were happy to serve as a collection point and to help get the word out about this caring initiative.  When units of local government work with our elected officials to help our communities, we are all the stronger for it.”

The items collected will soon be distributed by caseworkers to children in the state’s foster care system.

“The pajama drive wouldn’t have been successful without the thoughtfulness of residents and the kind community partners who opened their doors for donations,” Morrison said. “Hundreds of children living apart from their families during the holidays will be the recipients of our neighbors’ generosity. Thank you to each and every one of you who dropped off pajamas, socks, and mittens.”

CHICAGO – A recent shakeup of administrative powers at the Illinois Tollway Authority will be the subject of an Illinois Senate Transportation Committee hearing Tuesday.

“With purpose of ensuring the responsible stewardship of tax dollars that are collected and administered at the Illinois Tollway, we are committed to shedding transparency on the organizational changes that were recently made,” said Senator Ram Villivalam, a Chicago Democrat who chairs the committee.

In October, the Tollway board voted to give the board chairman additional, direct oversight of some agency departments that had previously fallen under the tollway’s executive director. Board members have said the move was in the best interest of the Tollway.

The hearing is an opportunity to explore the change in greater detail.

“We will have a robust and comprehensive discussion on the organizational structure change that was made and look to other states for best practices,” Villivalam said.

“The tollway has an annual budget of millions of dollars and serves over 1.6 million commuters a day. We want to ensure it is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. Consumers need to know the tollway administration is spending their dollars wisely,” said Senator Laura Murphy, a Des Plaines Democrats and fellow Transportation Committee member.

The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Michael A. Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. This is a subject matter hearing on the Tollway administrative changes.

WHO: State Senators Ram Villivalam, Laura Murphy, Illinois Tollway Authority
WHAT: Subject Matter Hearing on the Organizational Structure of the Illinois Tollway
WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021
WHERE: Michael A. Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle St., Chicago or Virtual Room 1 on www.ilga.gov

MARYVILLE – State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced a $1.7 million investment in state funding to help improve the infrastructure at St. Louis Regional Airport.

“The St. Louis Regional Airport offers high-quality services to pilots and travelers alike,” Crowe said. “These funds will help maintain and develop the area to help workers thrive and contribute to our region’s success.”

Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of the airport to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the St. Louis Regional Airport is set to receive $765,000 to improve the aviation fuel facility as well as $990,000 to rehabilitate the parking lots.

“The St. Louis Regional Airport is a strong economic driver of our region and supports hundreds of jobs in the Metro East,” Crowe said. “These funds are an investment to uplift working people in our community after pandemic-related hardships.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

AURORA – The Aurora Municipal Airport and DuPage Airport will receive a combined $2.5 million in state funding for maintenance and upgrades, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) announced Monday.

“Our local airports help bring tourists to our communities and increase travel opportunities for families across the region,” Villa said. “An investment in our airports is an investment to keep and bring more good-paying jobs for working families across the 25^th District.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities will also benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Aurora Municipal Airport is set to receive $1.3 million to rehabilitate parking lots and the entrance road as well as $279,000 for airport perimeter roadway construction. The DuPage Airport will receive $594,000 for airport perimeter road resurfacing as well as $405,000 to construct a new parking lot.

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

“These monumental investments in our aviation system will help solidify Illinois’ role as a transportation hub for our country,” Villa said. “Maintenance and upgrades to the Aurora Municipal Airport and DuPage Airport are critical to the collective aviation success of our state.” 

The Illinois aviation system is one of the largest in the nation, made up of more than 850 individual landing facilities. Illinois is home to everything from O’Hare International Airport to municipal airports and private grass strips, contributing more than $95 billion annually to the state’s economy.

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KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced a $1.6 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Greater Kankakee Airport on Monday.

“I’m thrilled the state is investing in our local airports,” Joyce said. “This massive investment will make air travel safer and more reliable while helping grow our local economy.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Greater Kankakee Airport will use these funds for construction to the Widen Taxiway Fillets and Relocate Taxiway D.

“The Greater Kankakee Airport is a strong economic driver in our community,” Joyce said. “This funding will provide much-needed dollars to strengthen our state’s infrastructure for years to come.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

Bennett plan to combat sexual abuse in schools signed into law

CHAMPAIGN – Students will be protected from grooming and other sexual misconduct under a new law signed Friday, the result of legislation by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Children should be able to turn to their teachers when there’s a problem and trust that their teacher is acting in their best interests,” said Bennett. “This legislation is a tremendous step forward in ensuring educators are equipped to protect our children from abuse.”

Read more.

Stadelman: $4.5 million in state funding invested in the Rockford Airport

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced a $4.5 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Rockford Airport on Wednesday.

“The Rockford Airport is a strong economic driver of our region that provides hundreds of jobs to our community,” Stadelman said. “The funding to help maintain and upgrade sections of the airport is an investment in our residents to help our area thrive after such a tough year.”

Read more.

Full implementation of CHW certification program signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A bill introduced by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure the provisions in the Community Health Worker Certification and Reimbursement Act are fully implemented was signed into law Tuesday.

“With this follow-up legislation to the health care pillar, we can finally bring the proper certification to these essential health workers,” Hunter said. “I am happy that we could further address the needs of community health workers."

Read more.

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