Illinois Drug Reuse Program strengthened under Edly-Allen measure

SPRINGFIELD – Nationally, an estimated $2.8 billion worth of medications are wasted annually. To provide Illinoisans with cheaper alternatives and transparency within the Illinois Drug Reuse Program, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked with State Representative Laura Faver Dias to bring House Bill 2346 to the Senate Public Health Committee.

“Medications can be ridiculously expensive, often leaving people to decide between rent, groceries or their life-saving medicine,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill is critical to helping our most vulnerable communities and improves a well-established program that has helped countless Illinoisans.”

House Bill 2346 aims to strengthen the effectiveness of the Illinois Drug Reuse Program by increasing transparency for consumers, expanding access to safe, unused medications, and helping reduce medication waste.

Read more: Illinois Drug Reuse Program strengthened under Edly-Allen measure

Villa measure ensuring best mental health practices in criminal justice system advances

SPRINGFIELD – To meet the needs of defendants who have been determined to be unfit for trial languishing in county jails, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure Tuesday.

“As is, our justice system is unable to care for every individual living with mental health conditions who is unfit for trial which leads to people being sent to jail rather than receiving the treatment they need to undergo fair court proceedings,” said Villa (D-West Chicago).“Modeling best practices within the criminal justice system and focusing on effective rehabilitation efforts will result in better mental health outcomes for impacted individuals.”

House Bill 3572 would clarify standards to determine whether someone unfit to stand trial should be diverted to outpatient state mental health treatment programs.

Read more: Villa measure ensuring best mental health practices in criminal justice system advances

Senate Democrats wear sneakers for Cancer Awareness

SPRINGFIELD - During a busy legislative session day, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus put on their best sneakers with their usual session attire to demonstrate support for cancer patients and survivors throughout the state.

“This day is more than a symbolic gesture, it’s a reminder that cancer can touch every community, every family and every heart,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “For members of the General Assembly, wearing sneakers with our professional attire highlights the importance of funding cancer research, promoting early detection and ensuring access to care for all. It’s a small step that speaks to a much larger cause, calling for continued awareness, advocacy and action.”

This is a tradition that is inspired by the Coaches vs. Cancer program, a joint initiative between the American Cancer Society and the NCAA to raise cancer awareness.  Additionally, this initiative coincides with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Cancer Action Day, a key advocacy event dedicated to empowering those affected by cancer to raise their voices at the state Capitol.

Read more: Senate Democrats wear sneakers for Cancer Awareness

Villa advances measure to prohibit minors being listed in evictions

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Karina Villa led a measure through committee to crack down on landlords that may maliciously or ignorantly place a minor on an eviction action, resulting in negative consequences affecting a child’s future ability to rent.

“While eviction is traumatic for families in its own right, including a child in an eviction filing can negatively impact their lives for years to come,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Through no fault of their own, a minor’s record will reflect that eviction. Illinois must protect these innocent people from the careless actions of landlords.”

Read more: Villa advances measure to prohibit minors being listed in evictions