Harris secures $52 million project for Nursing Center at South Suburban College
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SOUTH HOLLAND – State Senator Napoleon Harris III attended a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the start of construction on the Allied Health & Nursing Center at South Suburban College.
“Today marks a proud moment for the Southland as we break ground on a project 15 years in the making,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This $52 million investment will transform South Suburban College by helping build up the next generation of health care professionals right here in our community.”
The new Allied Health & Nursing Center will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced simulation labs, and collaborative learning spaces designed to expand SSC’s capacity to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. The facility will directly address the region’s critical need for skilled nurses, medical technicians and allied health specialists while strengthening partnerships with local hospitals, clinics and care providers.
Read more: Harris secures $52 million project for Nursing Center at South Suburban College
Edly-Allen-backed Dillon’s Law prepares communities to act on allergic reactions
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SPRINGFIELD – According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization (FARE), 33 million Americans have a food allergy, with the most common allergies including milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts. To help those having an allergic reaction, Illinoisans will soon have easier access to epinephrine under a new law championed by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West.
“Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this law could help save so many lives.”
House Bill 2462, modeled after a law passed in Wisconsin in 2017, is named after 18-year-old Dillon Mueller, who died in 2014 after being stung by a bee without any previous knowledge of an allergy. No epinephrine was available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout with him or the arriving first responders. This new law allows individuals who are properly trained to carry and administer the epinephrine to individuals having an allergic reaction.
Read more: Edly-Allen-backed Dillon’s Law prepares communities to act on allergic reactions
Belt closes phony lifetime gym membership loophole
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to stop gyms and fitness centers from canceling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership has been signed into law.
“When gyms offer lifetime memberships, they shouldn’t penalize members for actually using the facility,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to come back a year later and raise your fees.”
Gyms and fitness centers advertise lifetime memberships, but under state law, gym contracts can only be a maximum of one year. Functionally, these lifetime memberships are just one-year contracts that auto-renew. This is where the hidden price increases or benefit reductions can happen without the consumer knowing.
Read more: Belt closes phony lifetime gym membership loophole
Illinois joins the fight against dangerous chemicals under new Morrison law
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SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Julie Morrison will eliminate the use of toxic “forever chemicals” in everyday items like cosmetics, dental floss and children’s products, marking a significant step toward keeping harmful substances out of people’s homes and bodies.
“We all deserve peace of mind that the products we use regularly aren’t putting our health at risk,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law prioritizes the well-being of future generations by making sure our shelves are stocked with safer alternatives in the years ahead.”
Forever chemicals, also known as 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.
Read more: Illinois joins the fight against dangerous chemicals under new Morrison law
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SPRINGFIELD — To reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters led a new law to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency. “Families who are in need of DCFS’ s... -
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