Halpin creates specialty Air Force license plate for combat vets

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure to create specialty Air Force Combat Action Medal license plates. 

“We are simply acknowledging the sacrifice these combat veterans made for our country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This move is a small way for us to give Air Force veterans the recognition they deserve.”

Currently, the Air Force is the only branch of the military that does not have a license plate for combat veterans. The Illinois Secretary of State is authorized to issue Combat Action Ribbon license plates to members of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps, and Combat Action Badge license plates to special groups within the Army.

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Faraci honors late Senator Scott Bennett

DANVILLE – To honor the life and legacy of the late Senator Scott Bennett, State Senator Paul Faraci joined elected officials, community members, as well as friends and family of Scott Bennett at a memorial to name portions of I-74 the "Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway."

“Senator Bennett continues to be remembered as a leader in our communities who dedicated his life to serving the people of Illinois,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “He will forever be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten. This is one way we can continue to honor him for decades to come.”

Last spring, Faraci passed Senate Joint Resolution 32 designating I-74 from U.S. Route 45 in Champaign to the Indiana state line as the “Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway.” Today, the Illinois Department of Transportation placed signs along the interstate in his honor.

Read more: Faraci honors late Senator Scott Bennett

Senate passes Fine legislation to expand access to health insurance with state-based marketplace

SPRINGFIELD – To facilitate access to affordable health care services, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure that will assist in the transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace.

“It has always been my aim to have our insurance marketplace reflect the needs of Illinoisans by providing accessible and affordable health care for all,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Establishing a state-based marketplace prioritizes the needs of our residents.”

Legislation passed last year established a state-based health insurance marketplace, allowing Illinois to offer affordable insurance coverage options. Illinois will complete the transition to the state-based health insurance marketplace by 2026.

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Belt joins Secretary of State to highlight the need for organ donations

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to raise awareness of the ongoing need for organ and tissue donation, State Senator Christopher Belt joined Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in a press conference about the topic on Thursday.

“As an organ donor recipient, I know firsthand how critical one’s life may be in if they are on the transplant list waiting for the news an organ has become available to them,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It doesn’t matter your gender, age, race or any other factors. What matters is the fact you can save many lives by being a donor, and I will always urge everyone to add their name to the list.”

Currently, more than 7.5 million Illinoisans are registered with Illinois' Organ and Tissue Donor Registry with more than 2,000 transplants taking place each year. Yet, approximately 4,000 people remain on the transplant waiting list, and about 300 die waiting for a transplant every year.

Read more: Belt joins Secretary of State to highlight the need for organ donations