Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to require insurance companies to provide heart and lung monitors to children advanced by State Senator Rachelle Crowe was signed by Gov. Pritzker today.

This legislation expands health coverage on cardiopulmonary monitors for minors who have had complications in the past and remain at a higher risk for other problems.

“Families who cannot afford heart or lung monitors for their children deserve this relief from their insurance company,” Crowe said.

The measure was brought to Crowe by Mary Cope, a resident of Wood River who lost her infant granddaughter, Marlie, after the child was denied a heart monitor. The legislation is named Marlie’s Law in her memory.

“The heartache my family experiences every day is something I hope this legislation can prevent another family from ever knowing,” Cope said.

“This legislation ensures no child will be denied a life-saving device again,” Crowe said.

House Bill 3471 will go into effect in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) would allow minors in Illinois to seek access to an HIV preventative drug without parental consent.

“The number of new HIV cases per year is alarming, but there is a method to help slow the spread,” Peters said. “We should be trying to offer this method to anyone who wants it.”

House Bill 2665 is an initiative of the Aids Foundation of Chicago, and aligns Illinois with federal guidelines regarding preventative healthcare. A drug known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is over 90 percent effective at preventing the transmission of HIV when used correctly. The law allows minors 12 years of age and older to receive health care services related to prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, including a prescription for PrEP, without parental consent. Previous law only allowed minors to waive parental consent for services related to treatment or diagnoses.

DES PLAINES – A measure that was signed into law today will add an extra protection for victims of domestic violence, thanks to Des Plaines Democrat State Senator Laura Murphy.

Senate Bill 399 will allow an address to be omitted from documents filed in court if disclosing the address would risk abuse or harm. The victim will also be protected from having to include a domestic violence safe house address or an address that was changed as a result of a protective order.

“It’s already hard enough for victims to take that first step and get out of their situation,” Murphy said. “They shouldn’t have to live in fear of their address being released after being brave enough to get away. I am happy to see this signed into law.”

Murphy introduced her measure in response to an incident where a judge included the address of a domestic violence safe house in a court order between the abuser and the victim regarding custody over their child.

Senate Bill 399 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Andy Manar issued the following statement in response to the announcement of Mueller Water Products’ plans to build a new, state of the art foundry in Decatur:

“Mueller has been a major contributor to the economic vitality of the City of Decatur since their founding over 160 years ago. I want to thank Mueller for their continued investment and dedication to this community.

“This new, multi-year project represents new opportunities for the people of Decatur and will create hundreds of jobs both in the construction and operational stages of the facility.

“With low unemployment, cutting edge workforce development, and continued economic expansion, progress is continuing in Decatur and Macon County.”

SPRINGFIELD – A proposal by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) aimed at increasing state employment of individuals with disabilities was signed into law on Friday by Gov. Pritzker.

“Having a job means having dignity, independence and purpose, regardless of whether or not an individual has a disability,” Morrison said. “The State of Illinois should be a leader in showing that individuals with disabilities are just as capable in the workplace and have a valued role in contributing to our state and our economy.”

The legislation requires the state to better facilitate the hiring of individuals with disabilities by requiring Central Management Services to send the Successful Disability Opportunities List to state agencies when they are hiring.

Morrison – who is chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and founder of the Special Needs Caucus – passed the measure to help break down the barriers to employment individuals with disabilities face.

Senate Bill 190 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

VILLA PARK – Towns across DuPage County can now spend hotel tax dollars on items other than tourism, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Tom Cullerton.

Cullerton (D-Villa Park) started working on passing this initiative four or five years ago, that would allow non-home rule towns to direct vital dollars on the needs of residents. Senate Bill 1217, will allow for up to 25 percent of hotel tax revenue to be used on economic development or infrastructure improvements. It was signed into law on Friday.

“This new law will give flexibility to towns and villages across DuPage County to direct dollars toward vital repairs, expanding public transportation and fixing annoying potholes,” Cullerton said. “Solid roadways help community put its best face forward for visitors while improving conditions for residents. No one wants to drive through towns full of potholes.”

Under previous law, towns within DuPage County were required to use 100 percent of all hotel revenues toward promoting tourism. Now up to 25 percent of those dollars can be used to address local needs.

“I would like to thank Senator Tom Cullerton and Representative Diane Pappas for fighting for Itasca,” said Jeff Pruyn, Mayor of Itasca. “As a former mayor, Senator Cullerton understands that villages and towns across DuPage County have pressing needs. This law will allow us to direct vital dollars toward key infrastructure and economic development projects that will help ensure local residents’ needs are met.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Treasurer will have more options to invest money on the state’s behalf under a new law, signed Friday, that State Senator Jacqueline Collins sponsored.

“At a time with anemic interest rates, when we are still recovering from a devastating governor’s administration that harmed finances, taxpayers deserve the assurance that we have every option available to act quickly to make smart, secure investments,” Collins said. “This removes burdensome regulations that require us to deposit money outside our own state, and increases options for those engaged in securities proceedings with the state of Illinois. It’s my belief that this empowers the Treasurer to act in the best interests of taxpayers.”

Senate Bill 1289 authorizes the Illinois Treasurer to hold securities in any bank or a depository trust company in the United States, altering current law that mandates they be held only in institutions based in New York. The legislation also adds to the classes of securities that the State Treasurer may accept as collateral for deposits that are not insured by the federal government. Further, it adds to and modifies the investments the State Treasurer may invest or reinvest in.

The new law is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to further protect senior citizens, an initiative by State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) to deny inheritance to those convicted of assaulting their elderly family members was signed into law last week.

“It’s disheartening that we need legislation such as this to prevent family members from taking advantage of their elders,” Crowe said. “Seniors are targeted every day for their estate, and I’m proud to put this legislation forward to prevent abusers from benefitting after committing this serious crime.”

Under the current Elder Abuse and Neglect Act, a person convicted of financial exploitation, abuse or neglect of an elderly person is prohibited from benefitting from the victim’s estate. Crowe’s measure expands the law to include assault, aggravated assault, battery and aggravated battery against people over 60 years old.

“Every day, we see the devastating effects of abuse of senior citizens, often by family members,” said Tom Gibbons, Madison County State’s Attorney. “I’m thankful to Senator Crowe and our legislators passing this important measure to prevent abusers from profiting from their abuse.”