Gillespie removes regressive school fees for homeless students

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate to waive school fees for students experiencing homelessness on Tuesday.

“A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them,” Gillespie said. “Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success.”

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Senator Bush measure to make opioid overdose reversal drug free heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD – A career-long advocate for the fight against the ongoing opioid epidemic, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is leading a measure to make an opioid overdose reversal drug more accessible.  

“We all know someone who has a friend or family member that struggles with addiction – and the thought of that person losing their life when lifesaving medication is available is devastating,” Bush said. “We must put an end to the red tape and hurdles people have to go through to receive naloxone.”

Bush’s measure would prohibit insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for naloxone – an opioid suppressant. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often be inaccessible with a cost of up to $140 for two doses.

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Morrison measure to provide youth in DCFS care with transition support heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD – As children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services transition both in and out of care, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) wants to ensure they have the tools to succeed.

House Bill 5418, sponsored by Morrison in the Senate, would give children access to intervention and counseling services within the first 24 hours after removal from a home and require the DCFS division of child protection to assess a child’s wellbeing each month.

“Being removed from your home at a young age is an anguishing time,” Morrison said. “We must provide these children with the support they need.”

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Sims, Peters attend Survivors Speak Illinois 2022 event

More than 200 crime survivors traveled to the state Capitol for the second annual Survivors Speak Illinois 2022 event. Among the crowd were surviving loved ones, including family and friends, of those who tragically lost their lives to violence. Each year, hundreds of crime survivors from across the country gather together to heal, share their stories and advocate for change.

This year, advocates rallied together to call on officials to shift the narrative on what true public safety means. Organizers and supporters of the event praised the SAFE-T Act and Reimagine Public Safety Act and called for the passage of more initiatives that work to support victims’ needs.

Read more: Sims, Peters attend Survivors Speak Illinois 2022 event