Jones measure to require insurers to provide annual prostate cancer screenings

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) is sponsoring legislation to mandate and require private insurers to allow men to get annual prostate cancer screenings free-of-charge.

“It’s important to be aware of your health risks — this bill will make prostate cancer screenings more accessible for men across the state,” Jones said. “Prostate cancer is life threatening — a simple test can detect it early and save a life.”

House Bill 5318 would require private insurers to provide all qualifying male policyholders with an annual prostate cancer screening upon the recommendations of a physician.

Read more: Jones measure to require insurers to provide annual prostate cancer screenings

Senate Democrats introduce Strengthening Illinois Families and Children package

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined child care advocates and parents on Tuesday to introduce a slate of legislation that would invest in families and children.

“To strengthen the lives of Illinois children, we have to ensure families have the freedom to give their children richer and fuller lives,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By investing in their potential, we also indirectly construct more equitable communities that offer greater opportunities for growth.”

Legislation in the Strengthening Illinois Families and Children package include initiatives to expand the earned income credit, create a child tax credit, expand child care benefits to low-income families and funding for child care and early childhood education programs.

Read more: Senate Democrats introduce Strengthening Illinois Families and Children package

Ellman’s measure to support Gold Star Families passes the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – More members of Gold Star families would be eligible to receive dedicated license plates under legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that advanced out of the Senate Thursday.

“Behind every brave service member who answers the call of duty is a family who makes great sacrifices as well,” Ellman said. “When a life is lost in the line of action, those families are left with memories and the thanks of a grateful nation.”

House Bill 5078 expands the current eligibility list for Gold Star Family license plates to include stepchildren, adopted children and half-siblings of veterans who lost their lives serving in a branch of the United States Armed Forces, and waives the registration fee for children in Gold Star Families. The legislation also aligns existing language regarding eligibility for a Gold Star lapel button with language used by the Department of Defense.

Read more: Ellman’s measure to support Gold Star Families passes the Senate

Fine increases health care coverage for children with cleft lip and palate abnormalities

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is working to ensure children suffering from cleft lip and palate abnormalities have access to the health care coverage they need to prevent complications as they grow.

“Children and their families should not have to face expensive out-of-pocket costs to get necessary treatment for a child’s cleft lip abnormality,” Senator Fine said. “I am glad we are advancing this bill so that this health care treatment will be more accessible for our children.” 

Read more: Fine increases health care coverage for children with cleft lip and palate abnormalities