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Faraci law to rename Kickapoo Rail Trail Bridge in honor of Scott Bennett

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is highlighting a new law he spearheaded that will honor the legacy and lasting impact of the late State Senator Scott Bennett by renaming the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail.

“Scott Bennett’s impact on not only East Central Illinois but also the entire state will never go unnoticed, and this is a small token of our appreciation toward his tireless efforts to the betterment of the 52nd District during his time as state senator,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Scott was a mentor, friend and all-around good person, and I’m glad our communities will remember his legacy and memory for generations to come. No one is more deserving of this honor.”

Faraci’s law will honor Bennett’s memory in Vermilion County by designating the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail as the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge. It will also allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to erect plaques in recognition of the designation, pending the agency’s funding availability.

In his time as the state senator for the 52nd District, serving communities in East Central Illinois from 2015 until his death in 2022, Bennett was a tireless champion of environmental stewardship. As a Central Illinois native, he was also a longtime advocate for Kickapoo Rail Trail, fighting for critical funding to expand regional connectivity through the trail and advocating for proper maintenance of the Kickapoo State Recreation Area.

Senate Bill 2859 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Preston measure to give children a voice

SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Willie Preston will expand insurance and Medicaid coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy for stuttering, helping more Illinois children and young adults access critical treatment and support services.

“Too many young people who stutter face barriers to getting the care they need,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This law helps remove those barriers and ensures more families can access critical treatment and support services.”

Read more: Preston measure to give children a voice

Aquino leads measure to increase accessibility for hospital financial assistance

SPRINGFIELD – To address the pervasive issue of medical debt and support underinsured and uninsured patients, a new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino will streamline the application process for hospital financial assistance.

“While families navigate health issues, they should not have to endure the added stress of undergoing a confusing financial assistance application process,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “With federal cuts to Medicaid threatening the health care of millions, financial concerns will only worsen, forcing more people to forgo care and leading to more expensive medical costs down the road.”

House Bill 5390 tasks the Attorney General with creating a standard form for hospitals to include in applications for financial assistance. The law also establishes a one-year approval period to address current administrative burdens.

Read more: Aquino leads measure to increase accessibility for hospital financial assistance

Johnson’s new law protects individuals in assisted living facilities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law will provide transparency and security to individuals in assisted living facilities, when facilities are closing.

“Residents in long-term care settings deserve transparency, accountability and support when major changes occur at their facilities,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “With this law, we are taking an important step toward ensuring that closures are handled with greater coordination and oversight so individuals and families are not left without guidance during difficult transitions.”

Read more: Johnson’s new law protects individuals in assisted living facilities