SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to improve health care access and affordability for pregnant women, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) introduced a measure to establish a permanent licensure pathway for freestanding birth centers, which passed committee Tuesday.

“As health care disparities continue to widen in our state, it’s important that we increase access to quality, affordable health care,” Senator Fine said. “A pathway to permanent licensure for freestanding birth centers will create more opportunities for the women who rely on their services.”

Senator Fine’s legislation would create the Birth Center Licensing Act, lifting the current cap on the number of freestanding birth center licenses so more women, especially those experiencing health care disparities, have access to the birthing style they prefer. Freestanding birth centers would still be regulated under the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act, and licenses would have to be renewed every year.

SPRINGFIELD – Any person who has been convicted for a drug-related offense under state or federal law is prohibited from being eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, but State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is leading an initiative to reverse that.

“Even after people serve their time, they still struggle when reentering society, and have many rights continuously taken from them,” Van Pelt said. “They are released and everything around them has changed, except their ability to fend for themselves has become harder due to their status.”

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, passed at the federal level, prohibits anyone convicted of a drug-related felony from receiving federally-funded cash assistance through TANF or SNAP. However, states have the option to opt-out of this lifetime ban from TANF and SNAP, and 25 states have already chosen to do so.

TANF provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities and expenses other than medical.

“People who are reentering society need help getting back on their feet,” Van Pelt said. “In fact, those who may have been incarcerated for drug-related offenses and reentering society may need the most assistance with food and housing.”

House Bill 88 passed the Health Committee Tuesday and awaits to be heard on the Senate floor. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham passed legislation out of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee that would help promote mental health treatment for police officers and firefighters by providing better focus for the First Responder Suicide Prevention Task Force.

“First responders have difficult, stressful, important jobs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “They need and deserve more mental health support.”

According to studies cited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, firefighters consider and attempt suicide at a higher rate than the general population, and nationally, between 125 and 300 police officers commit suicide every year.

Cunningham’s legislation would require the First Responder Suicide Prevention Task Force to make recommendations in specific areas that would help prevent suicide and connect first responders to mental health resources.

The legislation emphasizes access to mental health and wellness services, peer support groups, and ongoing education relating to mental health. It also requires the task force to make recommendations regarding specialized mental health training targeted at first responders.

“Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs put their lives on the line every day to help keep our families and communities safe,” Cunningham said. “They experience real trauma that can trigger mental health and substance abuse issues. We need to do more to help keep them and their families healthy.”

The measure, House Bill 3911, now goes before the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Findings from a report requested by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) shows LGBTQ youth in care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are not being properly identified, placed, tracked or counted. Today, Morrison is calling on the department to adhere to its own policies immediately.

“LGBTQ youth in care are disproportionately likely to become homeless and deal with mental health struggles, yet the very agency that is supposed to protect them is doing them great disservice,” Morrison said. “DCFS fell short. It is not adhering to its own policies put in place to respect LGBTQ children’s identities and the care they need.”

The auditor general investigated how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. However, the audit found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."

“We must ensure all children are placed in understanding environments that accept them and supports their authentic selves,” Morrison said.

Morrison plans to host a subject matter in June to further discuss the report and determine steps to a solution.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that would help reduce recidivism rates is one step closer to becoming law.

“Incarcerated people who are coming out of the system need to be able to live their best lives, and that requires providing proper services and support,” Peters said. “Otherwise, they may face challenges that push them to the brink and risk further destabilization, which could result in them ending up back in prison.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced that the Rockford area is set to receive $1.95 million for improvements to roads and highways in the upcoming year as a part of the state’s multi-year construction plan.

“I am happy to see another round of funding for infrastructure improvements,” Stadelman said. “This construction will help ensure the safety of people traveling on our roads while providing meaningful income for those working hard to repair them.”

The improvements to the roads in the Rockford area include reconstruction and rehabilitation to Harrison Ave., S. Main St., N. 2^nd St., Kishwaukee St., Springfield Ave., and various other locations in the Rockford area.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to educate residents on the risks associated with opioid dependence, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) co-sponsored legislation requiring the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to compile educational materials for patients who have been prescribed opioids.

“Educating residents on the dangers associated with opioid dependency is an effective way to prevent opioids from being misused and abused,” Crowe said. “By authorizing IDHS to publish information through various multimedia paths, Illinois is working collaboratively to educate patients with opioid prescriptions before an addiction starts.”

An initiative of the Illinois State Medical Society, the measure requires IDHS to develop and publish a list of opioid dependence risks on its website and in a pamphlet for pharmacists to distribute.

Since joining the Senate in 2019, Crowe has taken several steps to curb the opioid crisis in communities statewide.

“Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing opioid epidemic continues to devastate families across Illinois,” Crowe said. “Proactively educating residents on the dangers of opioid dependence is intended to stop addictions before they take hold.”

House Bill 3355 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday and will move to the full Senate for further debate.

CHICAGO – This week, in the Hermosa (Spanish for "beautiful") neighborhood of Chicago, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law House Bill 2877, which creates the framework for Illinois to use federal funding to assist renters and property owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois Rental Payment Program will distribute over $1 billion in funding to support residents experiencing housing distress.

“Today is a beautiful day. It’s a day to celebrate because this funding brings the sense of hope many families desperately need,” Aquino said. “Families will be able to remain together, stay in their homes, and have some comfort because of this law.”