Turner measure establishes commission to plan celebrations in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary

SPRINGFIELD – As the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States nears, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is leading a measure to establish a commission to carry out celebrations in Illinois leading up to and commemorating the day.

“America at 250 will be an incredibly special time for the nation as we reflect on our history and accomplishments while also charting a course for the future,” Turner said. “I am honored to play a part in creating a commission that will prepare out state to celebrate the anniversary in a unique way.”

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Villa advances measure expanding access to telehealth services for students, nonresidents

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) will allow Illinois visitors and non-resident students to continue to receive therapeutic services via telehealth from an out-of-state certified social worker they have an established relationship with.

“Finding a therapist is a long and arduous process for many people,” Villa said. “This kind of care isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, and when a good match is found, we should make it as easy as possible for individuals to receive continued care.”

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Loughran Cappel moves legislation ensuring supermarket shoppers get every discount

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) advanced legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee Thursday that would ensure customers get a discount when supermarkets put products on sale.

“Right now, shoppers are only seeing the final price of an item that’s being scanned at the supermarket,” Loughran Cappel said. “This leaves customers often confused as to whether or not they received their sale price because the screen only shows the final price.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. 

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Simmons measure allows pharmacists to provide HIV testing, PrEP and PEP medications

SPRINGFIELD – To provide people more accessibility to take care of their sexual health, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to allow pharmacists to provide HIV tests and preventative medications to help reduce new HIV infections.

Simmons’ measure would allow pharmacists to dispense and administer drugs, order laboratory tests, and consult individuals related to HIV pre-exposure drugs (PrEP) and post-exposure drugs (PEP). Pharmacists would first have to complete an educational training course on the administration of tests and medications prior to being permitted to assist patients. 

Read more: Simmons measure allows pharmacists to provide HIV testing, PrEP and PEP medications