GLENVIEW – To help Illinoisans enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) partnered with the Conference of Women Legislators and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to host a virtual Q&A on coping with mental health challenges over the holidays.

Senator Fine was joined by NAMI Illinois State Program Director Teri Latter and Professor Mary E. Garrison, a professor of social work at Millikin University, who offered expert advice to help residents stay well during times of stress. State Representative Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) and State Representative Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) also joined the conversation.

“We are in the middle of a holiday season like no other, and it’s critical that we have the tools and resources to care for our mental health during this time,” Senator Fine said. “I learned so much from Teri and Mary about how to process the emotions we’re all experiencing, and I hope others can watch the video and benefit from the conversation as well.”

The panelists discussed ways to manage a variety of common stressors facing families this year, including being separated from loved ones and maintaining holiday traditions during the pandemic.

“There's no doubt that the holidays, while being a great time for family gatherings and celebrations, are often fraught with stress, anxiety and even depression. Layer COVID on top of that, and many people will be struggling this year,” Latter said. “That's why it's so important to acknowledge that, take care of ourselves and have frank discussions on how to manage things so that the holidays can be enjoyable for everyone.”

Legislators also asked about helping older adults feel included even when they can’t physically be together, negotiating personal relationships in a divisive political climate, and dealing with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and burnout.

The Q&A was cosponsored by the Conference of Women Legislators, a bicameral, bipartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of all Illinois women through state, local and federal initiatives.

“It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Stay in tune with your emotions, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support,” Senator Fine said. “If you’re feeling hopeless or overwhelmed—or even if you just need someone to talk to—NAMI Illinois can help.”

A recording of the conversation is available here.

For more information on support groups, webinars and other resources NAMI offers, visit NAMIIllinois.org or call 1-800-950-NAMI. Those in crisis can reach anonymous, confidential support 24/7 via the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

SPRINGFIELD – Law enforcement agencies can face roadblocks with collecting DNA samples when trying to locate missing people, but now that process will be a bit easier thanks to a measure passed by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“DNA testing can help reunite missing people with their families,” Munoz said. “If a family member of yours is missing, you can now provide DNA samples to law enforcement to help find them.”  

CHICAGO – As Chairperson of the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is urging drivers to visit the Department of Transportation’s GettingAroundIllinois.com to track winter road conditions.

“With winter weather and the pandemic, staying home this holiday season is the safest option,” Villivalam said. “If you have to travel, though, make sure your path is safe by visiting Getting Around Illinois for instant updates.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available online and optimized for smartphones. Road conditions are recorded by plow drivers out in the field and relayed via network to GettingAroundIllinois.com to provide an up-to-date general overview on IDOT-maintained highways.

Holiday travelers should also make sure they have emergency items in their vehicle in case of a weather emergency or breakdown. The National Safety Council recommends every vehicle have a blanket, first aid kit, spare tire and tools, jumper cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in case of emergency.

BUFFALO GROVE — As the colder months begin and more people are struggling financially due to the ongoing public health crisis, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting a winter coat drive to help families in need stay warm.

 “Winter coats can be quite expensive — especially for families who have multiple children,” Johnson said. “It’s getting cold, and there are many people who don't have coats – including some children who are wearing coats that don't properly fit them. Please help our community by donating new coats this year.”

To make it more convenient for people to donate, Senator Johnson will host a number of temporary drop-off locations throughout the district.

The dates and locations are as follows:

• Sunday, Dec. 27 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Foss Park District, 1730 Lewis Ave, North Chicago   
• Monday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills
• Saturday, Jan. 2 from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., Lilac Cottage, 1911 North Sheridan Road, Waukegan

Senator Johnson’s office will be wearing masks and following COVID-19 protocols at each location. People who would like to donate can simply pull into the parking lot and hand the coats off through their car window.

Donated coats will be given to a number of non-profits and townships in need throughout the district.

Anyone with additional questions can contact Senator Johnson’s office at 847-672-4395 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, hosted by the Joint Caucus of Black Elected Officials and the Illinois Urban League Affiliates, will host a virtual town hall to inform community members about their plan to rid the state of systemic racism and seek public input. It will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The four pillars of the plan include:

• Criminal justice, police accountability and violence reduction
• Education and workforce development
• Economic access, equity and opportunity
• Health care and human services

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was one of nearly a hundred witnesses to speak against the closure of Mercy Hospital during Tuesday’s Health and Facilities Review Board meeting. Hunter is pleased that after several hours of testimony, the board voted to reject the closure of Mercy Hospital.

“I am proud that there was an abundance of support from the community to keep Mercy open,” Hunter said. “For months, we have been calling for Mercy to stay open so that Bronzeville residents would have reliable care in the middle of this pandemic. I am so pleased the board voted in the community’s best interest.”

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging businesses that were damaged during acts of civil unrest to apply for grants to help pay for repairs.

“Businesses have faced unprecedented financial struggles this year due to the ongoing public health crisis,” Johnson said. “The additional costs of repairing damage caused by civil unrest could be the difference between keeping their doors open or closing for good.”

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, Illinois survivors of sexual assault will be able to keep their home addresses confidential, thanks to legislation championed by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

Glowiak Hilton sponsored House Bill 2818, which passed with bipartisan support, to empower the attorney general's office to help keep survivors’ home addresses private from their attackers and stalkers.