CHAMPAIGN – A new law sponsored by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) will improve the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program and ultimately help children and families build a meaningful college savings fund.

“For most families, paying for college is not as simple as writing a check each semester,” Bennett said. “This new law is an investment in our youth and will ensure families have the opportunity to build a college savings account for their children.”

In 2019, the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program, established as part of the Illinois treasurer’s existing Bright Start and Bright Directions programs, was signed into law. Under this law, the treasurer will automatically deposit $50 into a college savings account for every child born or adopted in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois families will be able to access mental health and substance use disorder treatment without traveling long distances or waiting unreasonable amounts of time under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which was signed into law Friday.

“Oftentimes individuals can’t afford to wait days or weeks for mental health or substance use disorder treatment,” Senator Fine said. “It’s imperative that Illinoisans have easy access to timely and reliable mental health care.”

CHICAGO – Illinois schools will be required to develop and communicate their truancy policies to families on a yearly basis under legislation by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) that was signed into law today.

“When it comes to chronic absences, we tend to just see the empty desk. The truth is that we need to see the student and the challenges they may face with transportation, family illness, mental health difficulties or disabilities,” said Collins. “This ensures that families are being informed of absence policies that are consistent and are applied consistently. I thank Gov. Pritzker for signing this into law.”

Chronic truancy — when a student misses more than 5% of the school year — has increased in Illinois since 2015, when about 9% of students were considered chronically truant. As many as 13.4% are chronically truant currently. Senate Bill 605 requires schools to develop a truancy and chronic absence policy each year and report it to families, including information on chronic truancy.

The legislation takes effect July 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure people with gluten intolerances aren’t unknowingly consuming gluten in the medications they take, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to require oral drugs to carry proper warning labels was signed into law.

“Restaurants and grocery stores have increased their gluten-free offerings and have become far better equipped to properly label and handle items for people with dietary restrictions,” Morrison said. “People with Celiac and other gluten intolerances should feel just as protected when visiting a pharmacy.”

SHOREWOOD – Legislation championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood)  that will end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees was signed into law Friday.

“Utility companies taking advantage of hard working people is unfortunately all too common,” Loughran Cappel said. “Cracking down on predatory practices of all types will continue to be a priority of mine in the General Assembly.”

House Bill 122 will end early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

SPRINGFIELD – College students may soon see more affordable course materials under a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to create a task force dedicated to making textbooks and other course materials more affordable.

“I’m committed to making higher education more affordable for Illinois students—finding ways to lower textbook costs is an important part of that fight,” Murphy said. “I am excited for the task force to begin work and find ways to lift the financial burden on college students and their families.”

The legislation creates the Course Materials Equitable Access and Affordability Study Task Force, which will research ways to save students money on course materials, examine digital learning materials in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and publish its findings online.

BOURBONNAIS – In an effort to be more accessible to community members, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will be holding a Coffee, Conversation & Constituent Services event next week.

“I encourage folks to join me to talk about the issues facing the state over a cup of coffee,” Joyce said. “I look forward to meeting everyone that attends.”

Community members are welcome to stop by Starbucks in Bourbonnais to work with the senator’s staff and receive assistance with different services. Attendees can receive help with FOID cards applications, unemployment and much more.

With questions or for additional information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

WHO: State Senator Patrick Joyce
WHAT: Coffee, Conversation & Constituent Services
WHEN: Saturday, July 31 from 9 to 11 a.m.
WHERE: Starbucks, 532 Main St. NW, Bourbonnais

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Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes and Senator Laura Ellman co-hosted a free Mental Wellness Fair at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville this week. More than two dozen people attended to talk with a range of organizations providing resources for people with all issues and different needs.

“This past year was tough on many of us,” Holmes said. “It is essential that we help provide our community with information about how to address their mental health needs and find tools to make adjustments in their lives for the better.”