Morrison to improve early diagnosis of fatal pediatric disease

SPRINGFIELD – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – also known as DMD – is a rare disorder, but severe if not caught early enough to be treated. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a bill that would require all newborns to be screened for DMD.

“Although rare, DMD is a devastating disease – often taking children from their parents around the age of 5,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Early diagnoses of DMD will save precious lives and restore hope.”

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Villanueva’s measure to address application fee waivers for transfer students heads to Senate floor

SPRINGFIELD — To further promote both public Illinois State Universities and community colleges, State Senator Celina Villanueva pushed legislation through the Senate Higher Education Committee to allow the waiver of admission application fees for a student transferring from an Illinois public community college.

“Students in their last semester of their program should have the ability to transfer without the unnecessary obstacles of application fees,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “While most institutions have a fee waiver process for low-income students, this process varies by institution and usually requires verification.”

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Hastings advances measure to expand insurance coverage for medically recommended infertility coverage

SPRINGFIELD – A new law may soon be on the books to help ensure insurance coverage for certain infertility treatments, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“My daughter was born via in vitro fertilization, so this is near and dear to my heart,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is truly unfortunate that individuals or families that are already facing heartbreak due to infertility complications are being forced to fight their insurance companies in order to start or expand their family. Not only that, but it is problematic when a doctor recommends a course of treatment that's beneficial to the family, that an insurance company has the ability to trump that doctor.”

Hastings filed Senate Bill 2639 in response to a constituent in his district whose physician had recommended that they seek in vitro fertilization treatment. However, when the constituent tried to access IVF care, they were told by their insurance provider that they had to complete other procedures before it would be covered by their insurance company, even with the recommendation of their licensed physician.

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Ventura measure to prioritize intentional downtime and self-care for students

SPRINGFIELD – School has become increasingly stressful for students, leading State Senator Rachel Ventura to spearhead legislation that would help students across Illinois reduce anxiety and focus on their physical and emotional needs during school time.

“We have to emphasize the importance of having a balance between productivity and self-care within the context of education,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This instills a mindset in our young people that encourages both academic achievement and the well-being of their mental health.”

Senate Bill 2872 would allow all school districts to offer a weekly 20-minute session dedicated to relaxation activities in addition to regular recess. Led by Ventura, the bill aims to improve students' physical and emotional health by emphasizing intentional downtime and self-care. It encourages schools to adopt various approaches, such as mindfulness practices, mental health education, yoga, meditation, and dedicated time for positive emotional and social development, promoting a more balanced mindset.

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