Koehler’s measure to address EMS staffing shortages advances out of the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Communities in central Illinois and across the state would receive quicker and more reliable emergency medical services under legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that advanced out of the Senate on Wednesday.

“By not allowing qualified and certified emergency medical personnel to work in their field, we run the risk of denying lifesaving care to our communities,” Koehler said. ‘This legislation works to ensure that our EMS providers are well-staffed, and that emergency care in Illinois is efficient and reliable.”

House Bill 2431 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to adopt rules that would allow EMS personnel who have both been certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and have applied for licensure to operate on provisional status.

Read more: Koehler’s measure to address EMS staffing shortages advances out of the Senate

Belt measure to give school personnel paid sick days for COVID-19 passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – School district, community college and public university employees who are required to isolate or quarantine due to contracting or being exposed to COVID-19 may be given as many administrative leave days as necessary thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Teachers have faced so many challenges since the pandemic began,” Belt said. “From remote learning to hybrid learning, teachers continue to make sacrifices for their students. They shouldn’t have to worry about using their personal time when they need to take time off due to COVID-19.”

Read more: Belt measure to give school personnel paid sick days for COVID-19 passes Senate

Senate approves Peters' expansion to Reimagine Public Safety Act

SPRINGFIELD – More communities would be able to address the problem of gun violence under State Senator Robert Peters’ (D-Chicago) measure to expand the number of communities that are eligible for gun violence prevention grant money and to make it easier to receive technical and training services under the Reimagine Public Safety Act.

“We should address the problem of gun violence in Illinois by supporting affected communities directly, not punish them,” Peters said. “True public safety belongs to the people, and it demands that we address the underlying causes of violence at the grassroots level.”

Read more: Senate approves Peters' expansion to Reimagine Public Safety Act

Murphy measure to eliminate red tape for PAs passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) advanced a measure out of the Senate Tuesday to eliminate red tape and modernize health care delivery by making it easier for physicians and physician assistants to serve people with immediate medical needs.

“Our medical professionals have faced unprecedented stress the past year, and it’s not slowing down,” Murphy said. “We must ensure we can reduce the bureaucratic obstacles our health care workers face so our hospitals can be fully staffed and ready to help people in need.”

Read more: Murphy measure to eliminate red tape for PAs passes Senate