SPRINGFIELD – In order to mitigate increased health risks associated with adults who are unable to take care of themselves, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure that implements a procedure for developing a treatment plan suitable to the patient’s needs. 

“Although our state has made progress in advancing clinical care, we need to enhance procedures for protecting adults who may not be able to take care of themselves,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This legislation streamlines essential care to patients who unfortunately do not have the ability to care for themselves by ensuring they receive timely access to recommended services.” 

CHICAGO —In an effort to safeguard the rights and well-being of the state’s youngest citizens, State Senator Robert Peters passed legislation out of the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday.

“This initiative is about taking care of issues we have seen associated with child labor,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It lays out updated guidelines that look out for our kids – their rights, their schooling, and their futures.”

Senate Bill 3646 provides more protection for children in the workforce by addressing various aspects of child labor, including working conditions, age requirements and sectors prone to exploitation.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford passed a measure Wednesday to create a new state agency – the Department of Early Childhood – to streamline the administration of early childhood education care programs and services.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

The Department of Early Childhood – which would be created through Senate Bill 1 – would focus on administering early childhood education programs. The new agency would be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

SPRINGFIELD – As the number of overdoses continues to rise in Illinois and people fall victim to fentanyl-laced drugs, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to mitigate this critical issue with legislation that allows for free distribution of fentanyl test strips to the public.

“Fentanyl overdoses and fentanyl-laced drugs have been a longstanding issue across Illinois residents and families,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation will help organizations make life-saving fentanyl testing available to all residents so they can avoid accidentally consuming fentanyl-laced substances.”

Currently, non-medical persons are authorized to administer naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose under the Drug Overdose Prevention Program established by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Previous legislation permits pharmacists and retailers to sell fentanyl test strips over-the-counter and county health departments are able to distribute test strips to the public for no fee. Additionally, pharmacists, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants or their designee may distribute drug adulterant testing supplies to any person without being prosecuted.

SPRINGFIELD — Under a new measure proposed by State Senator Robert Martwick, the property tax system in Illinois would face review by the Department of Revenue.

“Clearly, the property tax system across the entirety of the state of Illinois is in need of reform,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “This study will help us identify fair and equitable reforms that will give property tax payers across the state a greater sense of certainty about their property tax burden.”

Martwick’s measure would commission the Department of Revenue, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the entire property tax system in the state. During the study, IDOR would examine whether the existing property tax levy, assessment, appeal and collection process is reasonable and fair, and issue recommendations for improvement.

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

“Access to fair lending services, reasonable banking and other financial assistance is fundamental to economic development and stability,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “However, there are many communities across the state that face systemic barriers and disparities that hinder their ability to fully participate in the economy such as running a successful business or owning a home.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Omar Aquino, standing alongside Service Employees International Union members, pushed for a wage increase for home care workers in Illinois at a rally Wednesday.

“When I worked for the Community Care Program, I witnessed firsthand the impact of home care workers on seniors’ ability to live an independent and dignified life,” expressed Aquino to advocates gathered in the Capitol rotunda. “You all provide dignified work—you should earn a dignified pay.”

Aquino joined hundreds of home care workers rallying together to speak on the need to increase wages for home care workers who provide essential personal assistance and health care support to thousands of seniors and people with disabilities across the state.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats advocated for the Healthcare Protection Act to curb predatory insurance practices to ensure adequate access to health care for people in Illinois at a press conference Wednesday.

“The big time insurance companies are going to fight us on this, but we are going to bring the public – the people of Illinois – with us to the negotiating table and get this done,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “I am honored to sponsor this bill and will not fold on my commitment to make Illinois a healthier and safer place by ensuring they have access to the best possible care.”

Senate Bill 3739 aims to ban step therapy and prior authorization for crisis mental health care, improve network adequacy and end unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies.