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

Johnson introduces Civil Rights Safeguard Act

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Adriane Johnson stood alongside representatives from the Illinois Department of Human Rights at a press conference Wednesday to outline her legislation to strengthen and preserve Illinois’ civil rights protections amid growing federal rollbacks.

“As federal agencies retreat from enforcing long-standing civil rights protections, Illinois must step forward,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation ensures our state remains a place where fairness, accountability and equal opportunity are not optional — they are the law.”

Read more: Johnson introduces Civil Rights Safeguard Act

Collins joins colleagues to support needed revenue increases and investments

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined legislators and advocates at a press conference Wednesday to fight for needed investments in Illinois communities by holding the ultra-rich accountable, closing corporate loopholes and making the tax system more equitable for working families.

“Our goal is to bring in new sources of revenue and additional revenue so our state can continue to operate and serve our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is vital now more than ever that the wealthiest of our societies start paying their fair share.”

Read more: Collins joins colleagues to support needed revenue increases and investments