SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk.

“This bill is deeply personal to me,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “As someone who received a lifesaving kidney transplant, I know firsthand how life-changing and life-saving these donations are. We should be removing barriers for people who are willing to step forward and give that gift.”

SPRINGFIELD —Seeking to ensure greater fairness and dignity in access to life insurance, State Senator Adriane Johnson champions legislation that would prohibit insurers from denying final expense life insurance coverage solely because an applicant has a past felony conviction.

“No one should be denied the ability to plan for the future because of a past mistake,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “People who have served their time deserve the opportunity to protect their loved ones from the financial burdens that come with end-of-life costs.”

House Bill 2425 would prohibit companies offering final expense life insurance policies from refusing to insure someone, limiting their coverage, or charging higher rates solely based on a felony conviction. The bill makes clear that this protection does not extend to individuals who are currently incarcerated.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is championing two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program.

“Our local hospitals and federal qualified health centers need this program to be able to provide healthcare services for the poor and uninsured. The corrections we have made in how this program works will make a difference to struggling communities throughout the state,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This will cover the expenses that otherwise would be passed on to patients who have insurance.”

House Bill 2371 would establish the patient access to Pharmacy Protection Act, which would prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from imposing restrictive conditions on hospitals and pharmacies under the federal 340B program. The measure would prohibit manufacturers from limiting the number of pharmacies a hospital can use. The bill would further require hospitals to report on an annual basis the use of those funds for charity care, thus providing transparency for the program.

SPRINGFIELD — To protect Illinois residents from the long-term health risks posed by PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would eliminate their use within common household products sold in the state.

“People shouldn’t have to worry about being repeatedly exposed to toxic chemicals from products they use every day,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation is the product of extensive negotiations with state agencies and stakeholders to take a proactive response to a growing crisis.”

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a type of synthetic chemicals designed for oil- and water-resistant purposes. Once released into the environment or absorbed by our body, PFAS do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health issues including cancer, hormone disruption, immune system damage and developmental problems in children.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois survivors of abuse and assault are closer to obtaining a fairer justice system, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters.

“Survivors of abuse have already endured unimaginable trauma,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Our justice system should never add to their suffering by silencing them or leaving them behind.” 

Peters’ bill defends victims of domestic abuse, reinforcing their right to be heard. Under the measure, law enforcement would be prohibited from discouraging or attempting to discourage a victim of abuse, neglect, exploitation or sexual assault from filing a police report – holding police accountable and allowing victims to seek justice without fear of being silenced.

DANVILLE – State Senator Paul Faraci is pleased to announce that Vermilion Advantage has been awarded $80,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Local Technical Assistance program.

“As a strong partner in Vermilion Advantage’s work to strengthen the local economy, I’m proud to see this important organization receive critical grant funding,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “The community in Vermilion County will greatly benefit from Vermilion Advantage's plans to support the business environment by boosting economic recovery and resilience.”

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to break down barriers to higher education, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced legislation that ensures all Illinois residents—regardless of background—have the opportunity to apply for and receive student aid.

“This legislation builds on our commitment to equity by ensuring that all Illinois students—no matter where they were born—have a fair shot at accessing the resources they need to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “If a student calls Illinois home and is pursuing higher education, they deserve our support.”

SPRINGFIELD – To keep human traffickers off Illinois roadways, bring to justice to victims of human trafficking and shield everyday Illinoisans from unnecessary exposure, State Senator Laura Murphy has pushed forward a bill to expand the expressway camera program to target traffickers while prohibiting images taken by license plate readers from being released via FOIA requests.

“We are giving our law enforcement an invaluable tool to bring human traffickers to justice,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “This legislation proves we are serious about cutting down on length of investigations, rescuing victims and making the police’s job easier.”