Guzmán effort to expand mammogram access moves forward

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán is pushing to allow mammograms under all health insurance policies regardless of the person’s age.

“Young people should not be burdened by cost if they and their health care provider find they require a mammogram,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Earlier detection of breast cancer can lead to more effective treatment and better survival rates for those diagnosed.”

Read more: Guzmán effort to expand mammogram access moves forward

Lightford measure to prioritize community safety amid federal immigration activity

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is spearheading legislation to ensure federal immigration detention centers cannot be constructed, operated or located within 1,500 feet of protected locations – such as schools, day care centers, places of worship and private residences.

“Protecting areas where children and families frequent from federal government overreach is imperative for community safety,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Through this measure, Illinois is sending a clear message that we will not stand for federal immigration operations compromising our residents’ quality of life.”

Read more: Lightford measure to prioritize community safety amid federal immigration activity

Morrison-backed measure addressing emergency room workplace violence advances

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading the charge with a measure that would establish emergency room workplace violence reporting requirements.

“Professionals should not have to worry about violence when working in the health care setting,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is reported that health care workers are five times more likely to suffer from a workplace violence injury than workers overall. Frontline workers can’t keep waiting– we must act now.”

According to a poll conducted by the American College of Emergency Physicians, 91% of physicians said they or a colleague experienced violence in the past year.

Read more: Morrison-backed measure addressing emergency room workplace violence advances

Collins fights for fair tax codes alongside Illinois Revenue Alliance

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined the Illinois Revenue Alliance on Wednesday to highlight a plan to address the impact of federal tax cuts and corporate loopholes that primarily benefit the ultra-wealthy.

“The federal government expects Illinois to automatically adapt our tax codes to match new changes in theirs that benefit the wealthiest 1% of Americans,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We refuse to sit by while the very wealthy – billionaires and big corporations – are made richer at the expense of working families.”

Over the last year, near-weekly threats from the Trump administration to cut funding for Illinois and its local government partners have led to court challenges and uncertainty. Additionally, the federal budget reconciliation law – H.R. 1 – will continue to have significant impacts to state governments’ financial positions across the nation.

Read more: Collins fights for fair tax codes alongside Illinois Revenue Alliance