Fine increases health care coverage for children with cleft lip and palate abnormalities

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is working to ensure children suffering from cleft lip and palate abnormalities have access to the health care coverage they need to prevent complications as they grow.

“Children and their families should not have to face expensive out-of-pocket costs to get necessary treatment for a child’s cleft lip abnormality,” Senator Fine said. “I am glad we are advancing this bill so that this health care treatment will be more accessible for our children.” 

Read more: Fine increases health care coverage for children with cleft lip and palate abnormalities

Gillespie removes regressive school fees for homeless students

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate to waive school fees for students experiencing homelessness on Tuesday.

“A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them,” Gillespie said. “Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success.”

Read more: Gillespie removes regressive school fees for homeless students

Senator Bush measure to make opioid overdose reversal drug free heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD – A career-long advocate for the fight against the ongoing opioid epidemic, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is leading a measure to make an opioid overdose reversal drug more accessible.  

“We all know someone who has a friend or family member that struggles with addiction – and the thought of that person losing their life when lifesaving medication is available is devastating,” Bush said. “We must put an end to the red tape and hurdles people have to go through to receive naloxone.”

Bush’s measure would prohibit insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for naloxone – an opioid suppressant. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often be inaccessible with a cost of up to $140 for two doses.

Read more: Senator Bush measure to make opioid overdose reversal drug free heads to governor

Morrison measure to provide youth in DCFS care with transition support heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD – As children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services transition both in and out of care, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) wants to ensure they have the tools to succeed.

House Bill 5418, sponsored by Morrison in the Senate, would give children access to intervention and counseling services within the first 24 hours after removal from a home and require the DCFS division of child protection to assess a child’s wellbeing each month.

“Being removed from your home at a young age is an anguishing time,” Morrison said. “We must provide these children with the support they need.”

Read more: Morrison measure to provide youth in DCFS care with transition support heads to governor