Cunningham pushes legislation to help protect sensitive medical information

SPRINGFiELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham is introducing legislation to better privacy protections for individuals undergoing genetic and biomarker testing.

“As technology evolves, our privacy laws need to keep up,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “No one in our state should have to worry about sensitive medical information effecting job opportunities or their insurance rate.”

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Morrison measure to provide support and resources to Illinoisans affected by gambling disorders

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading the charge with a measure that would provide support and resources to Illinoisans affected by gambling disorders.

“Gambling disorders have long effected residents and families across Illinois – financially devastating lives and creating long-term mental health distress that greatly affects one’s quality of life,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By providing support and resources to those affected by gambling disorders, we are ensuring that our neighbors can continue to thrive in our communities and do not have to endure their battle alone.”

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, roughly 3.8% of adult Illinoisans are considered to have a gambling problem, with an additional 7.7% at risk of developing a gambling problem. 

Read more: Morrison measure to provide support and resources to Illinoisans affected by gambling disorders

New Cervantes legislation to expand role of physician assistants

New Cervantes legislation to expand role of physician assistants

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes was joined by health care providers, students, patients and the Illinois Academy of Physician Associates for a press conference on a new law that would modernize PA practice laws, improving health care access across the state.

“Last year, I was proud to sponsor legislation to begin the journey to allow physician assistants to practice to their full potential,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This year’s Senate Bill 3421 is critical as we face an access to health care crisis in Illinois.”

Read more: New Cervantes legislation to expand role of physician assistants

Lightford, Ammons and higher education leaders call for passage of equitable funding model

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and State Representative Carol Ammons are fighting to transform how Illinois funds its higher education system through legislation that would take a student-centered approach. 

“Despite education’s paramount importance, the disparity in funding among higher educational institutions remains dreadfully evident,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This imbalance not only undermines the principle of equal opportunity but also hampers our collective progress as a society.”

Lightford and Ammons were instrumental in creating the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding in 2021. Over the years, the 30-person commission studied if public institutions of higher education are in dire need of a new funding model when serving underrepresented and historically underserved student groups, including Black and Brown students, as well as students from low-income families.

Read more: Lightford, Ammons and higher education leaders call for passage of equitable funding model