SPRINGFIELD – Penicillium rubens, a strain of penicillium discovered in Peoria, will officially be Illinois’ state microbe thanks to legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), signed into law Tuesday.

“The discovery of penicillium rubens in Peoria saved countless lives during World War II, and has saved many since,” Koehler said. “By making it our official microbe, we ensure that the story of P. rubens will be intertwined in our state history for generations to come.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) spearheaded a measure that was signed on Monday to help connect residents of long-term care facilities to loved ones during disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve learned from this pandemic how social isolation can have such a negative effect on mental health, especially for older adults in our state,” Cullerton said. “It’s so important that if anything like this pandemic happens again, long-term care facilities have a plan of action to make sure their residents have the opportunity to call their loved ones frequently.”

SPRINGFIELD – Schools will have to follow specific trauma-informed guidelines for school shooting lockdown drills under State Senator Karina Villa’s (D-West Chicago) new law.

“We should be doing everything in our power to stop school shootings and avoid the trauma that comes from shooting events — including that caused by involvement in graphic simulations during lockdown drills,” Villa said. “Our students should feel safe at school, and these trauma-informed guidelines will help them prepare for the worst without carrying the weight of a simulated tragedy.”

SPRINGFIELD – This year, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) spearheaded a measure to enhance the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors Act in order to encourage people to report crimes without fear of jeopardizing their immigration status. The legislation was signed into law on Monday.

“Everyone deserves to be able to protect themselves from crime, and a big part of that is having the ability to report wrongs against them or their loved ones to law enforcement,” Castro said. “The VOICES Act and these enhancements will help both victims harmed by criminal activity and law enforcement looking to investigate the criminal activity.”

SPRINGFIELD – Northern Illinoisans will be able to access mental health care closer to their homes and families under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) establishing a collaborative agreement with private providers in Wisconsin.

“Previously, Illinois residents weren’t allowed to undergo court-ordered mental health treatment in Wisconsin—even if they traveled across state lines every day for work and to visit family,” Johnson said. “It simply doesn’t make sense to force people to seek mental health care hours from home when qualified facilities are close by.”

SPRINGFIELD – Mobile home owners across Illinois can now depend on financial transparency and a basic standard of living, thanks to new laws sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“To know the terms of one’s loan agreement and to have access to clean water—those are essential rights every homeowner should be able to rely on,” Murphy said. “These laws simply bring protections for mobile home owners in line with those afforded to every other Illinoisan.”

The Senate Democratic Caucus is saddened to learn of the passing of former colleague and state senator of the 56^th district, William Haine. Haine retired from the Senate on Jan. 8, 2019, the last day of the 100^th General Assembly.

The former Madison County State’s Attorney focused much of his work in the Senate on criminal law, insurance, the judiciary and veterans affairs. Haine and his wife Anna had seven children, 38 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, so his retiring to spend time with family was a full-time endeavor.

SPRINGFIELD - Insurance companies will be required to offer working families a flat-dollar copay plan for drug-related benefits because of a law sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey). 

“A fixed out-of-pocket amount will be better for those families who have smaller budgets and need consistency,” Harris said. “I strongly believe this will be beneficial for our working families in Illinois, as it will give them the option to budget their medical expenses more easily.”