Koehler protects Illinoisans from price gouging of generic medication

SPRINGFIELD – Drug manufacturers and distributors will now be unable to spike the costs of generic medication thanks to a law spearheaded by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Every Illinoisan deserves affordable access to necessary medication,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law prevents companies from robbing residents just for an extra buck.”

House Bill 3957 creates the Illinois Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, which prohibits manufacturers and distributors from engaging in price gouging of essential off-patent and generic medication.

“We need to stake a stand for our residents and prohibit companies from these manipulative schemes,” said Koehler. “There should never be a situation when someone has to decide between picking up their medication or groceries for their family.”

House Bill 3957 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Senate democrats celebrate transformative plan to end homelessness in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Adriane Johnson, Robert Peters and Laura Fine – longtime advocates for addressing the root causes of homelessness – announced the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness were codified into law Wednesday morning.

“Homelessness is the effect of numerous causes,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By taking a comprehensive approach to decrease homelessness and improve health and human services, we are able to successfully combat root causes head on.”

“Preventing homelessness means eliminating its root causes, which include lack of affordable housing, poverty and lack of wraparound services,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “The HOME Illinois program is targeting the root causes of homelessness. The work the Department of Human Services will be doing in terms of street outreach, supportive housing and workforce development will make a world of difference for those experiencing housing insecurity and will pave the way toward Illinois achieving functional zero homelessness.”

Read more: Senate democrats celebrate transformative plan to end homelessness in Illinois

Faraci returns $47,000 from lost PayPal accounts to Champaign business owner

CHAMPAIGN - Senator Paul Faraci and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs teamed up to return $47,000 in cash from two forgotten PayPal accounts to a small business owner in Champaign. The two accounts were part of roughly 360,000 unclaimed PayPal accounts the Illinois Treasurer has received in recent years and is safeguarding for as long as it takes to find their rightful owners.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving local job creation and ensuring the economic stability of our state,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This story demonstrates the immense value Treasurer Frerichs’ unclaimed property program has for Illinois residents and businesses alike.”

Read more: Faraci returns $47,000 from lost PayPal accounts to Champaign business owner

Simmons advocates for access to child care at The White House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State Senator Mike Simmons traveled to the White House on Wednesday morning to meet with the Biden-Harris Administration and state leaders from across the country to discuss action that can be taken to increase access to high quality, affordable child care for working families.

“I grew up in a household where I saw firsthand the struggle single moms go through to ensure their kids are cared for while they work and attend school to advance their careers,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “In my people’s legislative council for single moms from my district, our 7th district moms talked openly about how hard it is for them to find good child care that they can afford and rely on. They also talked about the need for paid time off to tend to their children’s needs.” 

Read more: Simmons advocates for access to child care at The White House