Gillespie law validates mental health referendums, ensures funding

SPRINGFIELD — Suburban township mental health boards approved by referendum last year will be able to collect the revenue needed to operate after legislation led by State Senator Ann Gillespie was signed into law Friday.

“I am grateful we were able to quickly advance legislation to amend an error within the referendums and allow our community mental health boards to provide vital services to those in need,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Residents made their voices heard when they approved the boards, and it is fundamental to democracy that we uphold their decision.”

Community mental health boards, or 708 boards, are appointed panels that levy property taxes to fund local organizations and community mental health initiatives. Referendums approving 708 boards in several townships – including Addison, Elgin, Lisle, Naperville, Schaumburg and Wheeling townships – and Will County were deemed invalid because they did not include language about how the tax to fund the board would impact homeowners.

Senate Bill 690 guarantees the results of these referendums, allowing affected townships to levy the tax necessary to fund the boards without re-submitting the referendum in 2024.

Read more: Gillespie law validates mental health referendums, ensures funding

Harris’ new law supports Illinois’ farmers and small businesses

SPRINGFIELD – A measure that preserves insurance choices for rural farmers in Illinois is now law, thanks to State Senator Napoleon Harris, III.

Harris’ initiative – which was signed into law Friday – modernizes coverage requirements for farm mutual insurance companies to allow them to adapt to changes in the insurance marketplace and continue to provide coverage to farmers across Illinois.

“Illinois’ farmers drive our economy,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “It is important that we update the state’s provisions to allow these community insurance companies to keep their doors open and preserve choice in the insurance marketplace.”

Farm mutual insurance companies typically started off as small community-based organizations, but over time many have grown and began to offer insurance to more members in more diverse communities. Currently, there are 44 farm mutual companies that provide more than 50,000 policy holders with insurance coverage.

Read more: Harris’ new law supports Illinois’ farmers and small businesses

Cunningham expands access to ABLE accounts

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham spearheaded legislation that expands access to savings accounts for people living with disabilities, known as the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

“ABLE accounts provide much-needed protections for people living with disabilities and their families by allowing them to build financial wellness without risking their federal government benefits,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “We chose to expand this program because it’s proven to work and is a testament to our commitment to those who deserve our support.”

House Bill 3641 makes expansive changes to the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program, which helps people with disabilities and their families save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without jeopardizing their eligibility for certain government benefits. The measure allows people over the age of 18 to start an IL ABLE account and enables the accounts to conserve additional benefits, such as VA benefits.

Read more: Cunningham expands access to ABLE accounts

Pet safety this Thanksgiving and holiday season

As we approach this holiday season, it is important to stay informed on what you can do to keep your pets healthy and safe.

To avoid health risks to your pet:

• Do not share food with your pets. Fatty foods are hard for pets to digest, and some foods that people eat are toxic to animals. Consider making or buying a treat that is made just for them.
• When cleaning up, put your trash away from your pet. Dispose of any food scraps in a tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors or behind a closed, locked door.
• Be careful with your decorative plants, some can be toxic to pets. The safest plan is to keep your pet away from all plants and table decorations.
• Quick action saves lives. If you think your pet may have been poisoned, immediately call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic.

Read more: Pet safety this Thanksgiving and holiday season