SPRINGFIELD – To facilitate access to affordable health care services, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure that will assist in the transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace.

“It has always been my aim to have our insurance marketplace reflect the needs of Illinoisans by providing accessible and affordable health care for all,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Establishing a state-based marketplace prioritizes the needs of our residents.”

Legislation passed last year established a state-based health insurance marketplace, allowing Illinois to offer affordable insurance coverage options. Illinois will complete the transition to the state-based health insurance marketplace by 2026.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois.

“The FDA has failed to take action on this pressing issue,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Safer alternatives are already being used in the EU and other places. We need to make sure that safer choices are available to families in Illinois and hopefully, other states will follow so all consumers have access to the healthiest options.”

Over the last few decades, studies show that the number of chemicals being added to foods is steadily increasing and are linked to heightened health risks.

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage a statewide effort to adopt environmentally conscious infrastructure practices, State Senator Laura Ellman passed a resolution establishing the week of April 21 through April 27 as Green Infrastructure Week.

“This resolution reminds us all that we can help reduce flooding in our neighborhoods and communities,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Rain gardens, permeable pavement, green roofs and rain barrels all slow down water as it moves to and through our storm water systems.”

Senate Resolution 705 is the first measure to encourage construction of green infrastructure in Illinois. The resolution designates the week of April 21-27, 2024 as Green Infrastructure Week to promote an eco-friendly framework in the state to enhance natural areas and biodiversity.

When networks of natural areas are poorly managed or when urban design fails to properly control storm water runoff, pollution can have detrimental impacts on water quality, property and public health. SR 705 aims to encourage individuals, businesses and local governments to construct green infrastructure to mitigate this impact and help ease and prevent flooding.

“The developments we have made to enhance our biodiversity, agriculture, climate and water quality can be furthered by a united awareness amongst everyone in the state,” said Ellman. “I am pleased to advance this resolution to inspire individuals, businesses and local and state governments to take part in future green infrastructure initiatives.”

Senate Resolution 705 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD — To raise awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health, particularly among minority communities, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a resolution declaring April 2024 as Minority Health Month in Illinois.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death among minority populations. We need to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to best manage their health,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By taking a proactive approach, we not only promote healthier lives but can alleviate strain on our health care system.”

Senate Resolution 738 urges Illinoisans to learn more about risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels — commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol” — which can be significantly influenced by an individual’s health habits. The measure also urges the Illinois Department of Public Health to update the state’s cardiovascular plan to accelerate improvements for better health outcomes among individuals with cardiovascular disease and calls for increased cholesterol tests during April.

Hunter’s resolution comes as cardiovascular disease remains a national public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack every 40 seconds, with 80% of these events considered preventable.

“This resolution is another step in the state’s commitment to improving minority health outcomes,” said Hunter. “I encourage everyone to prioritize their well-being and learn more about cardiovascular health.”

Senate Resolution 738 was adopted by the Senate on Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – As newsrooms across the state and nation continue to shrink, State Senator Steve Stadelman’s measures to encourage local ownership of newsrooms and recruit more students to the journalism profession have passed the Senate.

“Investing in journalism education is investing in the future of our democracy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford).

One part of the measure involves the sale of local news organizations to other companies. The issue is private equity firms are buying newspapers and consolidating them until they provide very little local news with few to no local journalists, eventually shutting them down. The legislation would require a local news organization to notify the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and employees 120 days before a sale occurs. The goal is other local newspapers, companies or non-profits will have the opportunity to step in to keep the publication local.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure out of the Senate that aims to identify and correct inequities some individuals face when seeking loans, mortgages or other financial services.

“We should be welcoming and encouraging residents to take the steps needed to buy a home or own a small business, not deter them through unfair lending practices,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  “This legislation will help combat those issues and empower individuals with the financial tools and resources necessary to thrive.”

Senate Bill 3235 builds off previous legislation that incentivizes state-regulated financial institutions to meet the financial service needs of areas where there is a lack of access to affordable banking, credit for small businesses, reasonable interest rates, mortgages and other lending services.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightfordis working to keep families together by preventing children from being wrongfully removed from their homes due to an unfounded allegation of abuse or mistreatment.

“While we need to take child abuse and mistreatment seriously, we must also remember that kids will be kids and accidents happen,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Cases of abuse and mistreatment must be thoroughly, accurately and transparently investigated before making a decision to remove a child from their home.”

Families across the state have faced wrongful allegations of child abuse or neglect due to medical conditions, birth injuries and normal childhood accidents that result in findings that are misinterpreted as signs of abuse.

SPRINGFIELD – Acknowledging a greater need for educational opportunities for young adults in custody, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading a measure to bring emerging adult programs to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

Standing alongside advocates, experts and fellow lawmakers, Murphy outlined her proposal at a press conference Thursday.

“As a state, we have a duty to ensure young adults in custody have the tools they need to thrive when they return to their communities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Emerging adults deserve a fresh start when they leave custody, and this measure will put them on the path to successful reintegration.”

The measure would allow the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21-year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services. These services include individual or group therapy, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.