ISDC

Details: Wednesday, August 07, 2024 02:28 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings has paved the way for Illinois families to have greater access to medically-prescribed infertility treatments.

“Without in vitro fertilization, I wouldn’t be the proud father I am today,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I have felt the all-too-common stress and heartbreak of infertility. It’s past time to take bureaucracy out of health care.”

Found within Senate Bill 773, Hastings championed a plan to ensure insurance companies provide coverage for infertility treatments that are recommended by a physician without requiring them to complete treatments that were deemed ineffective by their doctor.

Schools set to have intentional downtime under new Ventura law

Details: Wednesday, August 07, 2024 02:25 PM

SPRINGFIELD – With anxiety and stress increasing in schools, State Senator Rachel Ventura championed a new law aimed at easing the growing stress that students face in classrooms, prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being to enhance focus and reduce anxiety during school hours.

“Just as adults have a multitude of stressors, students also have the pressure to constantly and consistently perform above average. Our children deserve just a few minutes for themselves. Purposeful relaxation time will empower students to develop effective stress and anxiety management strategies,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As both a parent and mental health advocate, I believe that allocating at least 20 minutes per week for students to unwind and prioritize their mental health will alleviate the constant pressure to engage in mental tasks, leading to improved academic performance.”

Senate Bill 2872 provides instruction for school districts on relaxation activities, such as mindful-based movements, yoga, stretching, meditation, breathing exercises, guided relaxation techniques, quiet time, walking, in-person conversation, and other stress-relieving activities, once a week for 20 minutes, in addition to recess, to enhance physical and emotional health.

Increased access and transparency for workers thanks to law from Villivalam

Details: Wednesday, August 07, 2024 02:22 PM

SPRINGFIELD — A law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam expands the list of documents an employee can request from their employer and the manner in which they can request them, to ensure workplace transparency.

“Continuing to support workers and their rights within the workplace is important,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This law ensures there are continued improvements within the workplace that benefit those who need it.”

Villivalam’s law expands the list of documents an employee can request, which include documents used to determine qualification of employment, contracts that are legally binding to the employee, handbooks, and any written employer policies or procedures.

University, community college employees protected under Turner law

Details: Wednesday, August 07, 2024 02:10 PM

SPRINGFIELD – University and community college employees will receive their pay and benefits if a campus is closed due to a winter weather emergency, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“All employees within our higher education institutions play a vital role in the normal, day-to-day operations on campus,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “No one should go unpaid without notice. That’s why I led this initiative to ensure workers receive the pay and benefits they deserve.”

Senate Bill 331 requires the Board of Trustees of each public university and community college to pay employees their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits if a campus is closed due to a city, county or state declaration of a winter weather emergency. The law does not apply if the day is rescheduled and the employee would be paid their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits for the rescheduled day when services are rendered.

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