SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) that would ban public consumption of e-cigarettes passed the Illinois state Senate Tuesday.

“It’s only fair that we treat these products the same way we treat cigarettes,” Link said. “It’s still unclear what the health effects of these devices are and people shouldn’t be forced to be exposed to them in public places if they don’t want to.”

According to the Centers on Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than 1,600 cases of vaping-related ailments reported, including 34 deaths across 24 states.

Senate Bill 1864 would expand the Smoke Free Illinois Act by prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes and other alternative nicotine products in public places, places of employment and within 15 feet of building entrances.

The measure could also help curb youth-cigarette use.

SPRINGFIELD – Student athletes at Illinois colleges and universities would receive compensation from the use of their name, image or likeness under a measure sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey). Currently, college athletes cannot receive compensation for participating in the sports other than scholarships.

"I played college football for four years, and I remember the many times when my family couldn’t afford things we needed and wanted," Harris said. "However, on game days, the stadiums were packed, and the university was making millions of dollars."

Senate Bill 2278 would also prohibit athletic association or conference from preventing a school or a student from participating in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and will not affect the student's scholarship eligibility. Ultimately this measure will ok student-athletes to generate profits for themselves through the use of their names and likenesses, such as in video games.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate today approved an initiative to rein in the soaring cost of insulin for diabetes patients.

Senate Bill 667, sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), would cap co-payments for insulin at $100 per month for all patients regardless of the supply they require. The cap would only apply to commercial insurance plans regulated by the state.

“Illinois families deserves to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones do not have to choose between putting food on the table and buying their prescription medication,” Manar said. “The Senate just took a step toward making that a reality.”

The price of insulin has drastically increased in the United States in the past several years. According to a 2016 analysis, the price of the drug tripled between 2002 and 2013.

1.3 million Illinoisans are living with diabetes and rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Price increases have left many of them struggling to pay for the drug and at risk of deadly consequences.

SPRINGFIELD – Responding to a wave of hospitalizations and deaths across the country, Illinois senators on Tuesday discussed a possible crackdown on flavored tobacco and vaping products.

The proposal, Senate Bill 668, creates the Flavored Tobacco Ban Act, which prohibits the sale or distribution of any flavored tobacco products, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and chewing tobacco. The legislation is aimed specifically at keeping tobacco out of the hands of children.

“Youth are especially vulnerable to this harmful substance that can lead to life-long addiction,” Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said during testimony before the Senate Executive Committee. “The flavors offered, like bubblegum and grape, entice children to try the product by masking its harshness.”

More than 1,600 people nationwide have suffered from vaping-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, resulting in 34 deaths – two of which were in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative to reign in the soaring cost of insulin for diabetes patients moved forward today.

Senate Bill 667, sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), would cap co-payments for insulin at $100 per month for all patients regardless of the supply they require. The cap would only apply to commercial insurance plans regulated by the state. The legislation was approved 15-3-1 by the Senate Insurance Committee.

“For over a million Illinois residents, insulin is an absolute necessity. Without it, they will die,” Manar said. “Pharmaceutical companies are leveraging that fact in order to maximize profits. It’s time we hold them accountable.”

The price of insulin has drastically increased in the United States in the past several years. According to a 2016 analysis, the price of the drug tripled between 2002 and 2013.

1.3 million Illinoisans are living with diabetes and rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Price increases have left many of them struggling to pay for the drug and at risk of deadly consequences.

CHICAGO – Increased diversity among financial services contractors that work with state pension funds was the subject of two days of Senate hearings this week.

State Senator Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) chaired the hearings, during which Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes and representatives of state, county and local municipal pension funds testified about the importance of accountability and the need for diversity of minorities and women from the top down.

“Some pension systems are doing much better than when we started these hearings, but it’s clear we still need to improve diversity across the board,” Martinez said. “We have a lot of great minority and women-owned firms here in Illinois that deserve an opportunity, and they’re just not getting it.”

The Pritzker administration released an economic development plan for Illinois this week. Staples of the plan include the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois construction program, record investments in education, increased research and development (R&D) grants for manufacturing and technology industries, and tax incentives to further workforce development.

The plan released by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity details how the administration plans to spur economic growth in an equitable fashion. Investments will be made to grow regional industries throughout the state and will prioritize removing employment barriers that systematically impact women and people of color.

“These strategic investments in workforce development will provide our state with the skilled employees and entrepreneurs to bring us economic stability,” Murphy said. “Middle class families across Illinois will be in an environment where they can thrive.”

RANTOUL – The Village of Rantoul will receive a $750,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to renovate and expand the Forum Fitness Center in Rantoul, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Thursday.

“The Forum Fitness Center offers a variety of sports and workout options to residents in our community,” Bennett said. “This grant will help improve the facility and attract new members to the center.”

Improvements to the exterior of the building include installation of new windows and double doors. Building expansion will feature a 3,000-square-foot group fitness addition. Interior improvements include installation of new electrical services in the cardio room. Renovations include the installation of a new HVAC system for the gymnasium and the locker rooms.