SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) advanced a measure out of the Senate Tuesday to eliminate red tape and modernize health care delivery by making it easier for physicians and physician assistants to serve people with immediate medical needs.

“Our medical professionals have faced unprecedented stress the past year, and it’s not slowing down,” Murphy said. “We must ensure we can reduce the bureaucratic obstacles our health care workers face so our hospitals can be fully staffed and ready to help people in need.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect young women’s reproductive rights and choices, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) advanced the Youth Health and Safety Act.

“We know that most young people alert or involve a parent or older family member in their decision making when something as serious as a pregnancy happens,” Sims said. “In fact, research shows us that the younger someone is, the more likely they are to discuss it with a family member and when they don’t, they have a good reason.”

Under current law, young women, some in troubled family circumstances, must notify an adult family member at least 48 hours before having an abortion. However, Sims and other supporters of the legislation point out that not all family systems are created equal and that youth who come from these circumstances are placed in harm’s way by forcing them into unhealthy conversations.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Youth Health and Safety Act passed the Senate Tuesday:

“The Youth Health and Safety act will modernize and improve the path for young women by protecting their personal reproductive health decisions. This measure is focused on people that are living very complex lives and often have been victims of incest, rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a measure co-sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) that preserves reproductive health rights and bodily autonomy for young people, especially young women, in Illinois.

“Today we are removing a systemic barrier to reproductive health care for young people,” Simmons said. “Systemic issues require systemic action, and the measure we passed today is a decisive step forward in ensuring reproductive rights and health equity in Illinois and protecting bodily autonomy consistent with the protections guaranteed by the Roe v. Wade decision.”

SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast advocate for women’s reproductive health care, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) was proud to cast her vote for monumental legislation to prioritize the health and safety of young women.

“When we think of reproductive health care and parenting resources, we often think of established adults starting families,” Bush said. “But the reality is thousands of teenagers across our state are struggling every day with where to turn during an unplanned pregnancy. By prioritizing the health of our young women of today, we are prioritizing the health of future generations.”

SPRINGFIELD – Calling on the Department of Children and Family Services to better support and protect its LGBTQ youth in care, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to address the agency’s shortcomings.

“There are estimates that 30% of our youth in care at DCFS identify as LGBTQ, yet there seems to be a discrepancy between that number and the numbers DCFS provided,” Morrison said. “We must ensure LGBTQ youth in care are getting the proper support they need to have successful futures.” 

The hearing comes following recent findings that DCFS was not respecting the needs of LGBTQ youth in care. An investigation by the auditor general looked into how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. The audit – which was spearheaded by a resolution previously passed by Morrison – found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus eagerly welcomed associates of the WNBA champion Chicago Sky to the state capitol Tuesday morning.

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Senators Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake), Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) posed with the championship trophy and spoke with Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans, owner John Rogers, head coach James Wade and Chief of Staff Victoria Watkins.

NAPERVILLE – Residents will have the opportunity to tour the Mobile Museum of Tolerance when it makes a stop in Naperville at the beginning of November.

State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) have teamed up to host the museum Nov. 1 - 3 at the 95^th Street Library, located at 3015 Cedar Glade Drive in Naperville. The museum will be open to the public noon to 6 p.m. all three days.