Senate passes Glowiak Hilton measure to prohibit pharmacy prescription refusals

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to make medication more accessible to Illinoisans, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced an initiative to prohibit pharmacists from refusing to fill a written prescription.

“Denying medication because of how it is sent to the pharmacy creates unnecessary complications that could cost a patient their life,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Individuals should be able to easily access their prescriptions, not be penalized because of a technicality.”

In response to the opioid epidemic, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law in 2021 requiring prescriptions of controlled substances to be sent electronically. However, some pharmacists are now refusing to fill non-electronic prescriptions despite exceptions to the current law. House Bill 4874 would prohibit a pharmacist from refusing to fill a paper or non-electronic prescription.

Read more: Senate passes Glowiak Hilton measure to prohibit pharmacy prescription refusals

Aquino calls for wage increase for in-home care workers

SPRINGFIELD — To shore up recruitment and retention in Illinois’ home care workforce, State Senator Omar Aquino stood with Service Employees International Union members to call for a dignified, living wage for in-home care providers at a rally at the Capitol Wednesday.

“In-home care is critical to keeping our parents and grandparents healthy and in their homes,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “We want to make sure that no matter where you live in Illinois, there is high-quality care available in every community.”

Illinois’ Community Care Program allows seniors to receive care and community-based services in their own homes. Thanks to the program, over 50,000 Illinois seniors are able to receive in-home care every month, allowing them to live independently without the need to move to a more restrictive setting like a nursing facility.

Read more: Aquino calls for wage increase for in-home care workers

Cervantes bill would retitle certain weapons charges in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Across Illinois, tens of thousands of people found to be in possession of a weapon unlawfully are charged with crimes like unlawful use of a weapon or labeled armed habitual criminals – despite the fact that more than half of these individuals have never been convicted of a crime of violence. That’s why State Senator Javier Cervantes is moving legislation to retitle these charges to more accurately reflect the nature of the crimes. 

“This directly affects minority communities around the state, and by changing the name of these offenses, we can more accurately assess the crimes committed,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Most people reading a criminal history would assume that unlawful use of a weapon indicates far more dangerous activity than in reality, but making this change can provide clarity and ensure those assumptions don’t prevent people from accessing services later in life.”

Read more: Cervantes bill would retitle certain weapons charges in Illinois

Hastings works to ease childcare shortages for military families

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois military families may soon have an easier time finding childcare, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our brave military personnel work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and it is imperative that they know their children are well taken care of at home,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Removing red tape and streamlining the licensure process for our nation’s heroes will help speed up the licensure process for daycare homes serving these brave families.”

Hastings passed House Bill 5596, which would create an exemption from licensure for daycare homes and group daycare homes serving children of military personnel if the daycare is located on a military base or federal property and is certified as a child development program by a brand of the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S Coast Guard.

Read more: Hastings works to ease childcare shortages for military families