CHICAGO—Illinois lawmakers will discuss police reform during a hearing called by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday.

Senate Criminal Law Chair State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) and Senate Public Safety Special Committee Chair State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) will co-chair the joint hearing. State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) of the House Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee and other members of the committees will participate as guests.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), joined with Gov. JB Pritzker and officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation to mark the completion of the Murray Baker Bridge’s renovation project Monday.

“The revitalization of the Murray Baker Bridge is a long time coming," Koehler said. "The peace of mind that comes with regular maintenance of our roads and bridges cannot be understated and the newly installed lights add to the already magnificent Peoria skyline."

CHICAGO – To analyze the issues in mental health and substance abuse, Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt, Executive Chair Mattie Hunter and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison will lead a joint Senate committee hearing Monday morning.

“Mental health is a sector of public health that is often overlooked in Black communities,” Van Pelt said. “It is important that we shine a light on the trauma-enforced issues and start the conversation around trauma-informed care.”

“Advancing solutions in behavioral health is one of my biggest priorities,” Hunter said. “Nothing matters if we don’t prioritize our mental wellbeing. It’s crucial that we promote mental health awareness, especially in the midst of the pandemic.”

CHICAGO – Earlier this year, Trinity Health announced it would close Mercy Hospital and Medical Center by 2021, which has been widely opposed by community members, health care officials and many legislators – including State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). Those opposed hosted a press conference Friday morning, and urged that Mercy stay open, even if the ownership must change.

“Closing Mercy Hospital due to financial costs, as has been the justification when other safety nets have been shuttered, is not a solution,” Hunter said. ”The financial issues faced in our health care system are multi-faceted, and will require a different approach. Re-evaluating nonprofits tax exempt status may be a part of that approach.”

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus held a number of hearings throughout the week to dive further into racial disparities across all sectors of life and to continue to build upon its four-pillar legislative agenda to eliminate systemic racism ahead of the fall veto session.

On Monday, Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago), Executive Chair Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) lead a joint hearing to discuss the disparities in access to health care across racial and socioeconomic lines.

“The time it takes to reach the hospital can determine whether someone lives or dies,” Hunter said. “Safety net hospitals are the only option some Black and Brown people have, yet they are extremely underfunded and continue to be closed down. “

During the hearing, physicians and hospital executives advocated for the need of safety net hospitals, which provide patients who need emergency care with options that are nearby and affordable. However, due to lack of revenue, many of these safety net hospitals that residents depend on are closing down, including Mercy Hospital, which is expected to close in 2021.

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) joins Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White to invite students in grades 4-12 to enter a statewide reading and writing competition known as “Letters About Literature in Illinois,” offered by the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book.

“Literature is a powerful tool, and this is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their love for reading,” said Joyce. “I encourage students to participate in the competition and submit an entry.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) named State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) a Lifetime Environmental Champion for his exceptional voting record on environmental protection and sustainability legislation.

“Throughout my career, I’ve made it a priority to work toward cleaner air and water, tackle climate change and protect our open spaces. It is an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Environmental Council for these efforts,” said Martwick. “I look forward to continuing to work with them to protect our environment and the health and safety of our communities.”

ELGIN – With flu season in full swing, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. In recognition of this, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is sponsoring a flu shot clinic in Hanover Park next month.

“Under normal circumstances, it would be a good idea to get a flu shot so that you and your loved ones can stay healthy throughout the flu season,” Castro said. “But this year, when flu season coincides with a global pandemic, the importance is even greater. We can’t let one dangerous disease let us get complacent about another, so I encourage everyone to sign up and get a flu shot.”