Stadelman passes resolution to support mental health education in schools

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to support mental health education in schools, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is sponsoring legislation that helps school leaders identify, understand, and respond to mental health problems school children may face.

“Educating students about their mental health early in life will benefit them in the long term,” Stadelman said. “Many students will navigate difficult situations in a healthier way if schools are able to teach them and provide instruction on how to cope and respond with their mental health.”

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Peters: Budget promotes equity and stability

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate voted to send the Fiscal Year 2022 budget to the governor:

“Over the past year, I’ve fought for many institutional changes that help combat systemic racism that holds Black and Brown folks down. This budget ensures that there is equity in how Illinois spends its money and that everyone in our state, regardless of ZIP code, is given the opportunity to live their best life.

“This is our first state budget following a global pandemic that nearly crippled the world’s economy, and the services and programs the budget funds will help shore up stability for the people in Illinois who are struggling the most.

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Gillespie’s plan to expand Medicaid heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD – To expand access to health care coverage, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed a Medicaid reform package in the Illinois Senate on Monday that adds coverage for a variety of services and provides more care to older Illinoisans.

“Expanding Medicaid coverage will result in better health outcomes for the most vulnerable,” Gillespie said. “This measure adds essential care options to the Medicaid program and will ensure that everyone has access to quality care.”

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Castro: Ethics bill’s ‘No Exit’ provision is common sense

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), who has been a fierce advocate for government reform and established a joint commission on ethics in 2019, issued the following statement on the Senate Bill 539, a comprehensive ethics package that is on its way to the governor’s desk:

“It’s no secret that Illinois has needed reform for some time. Addressing the legislator-to-lobbyist pipeline was a top priority, and I believe this legislation will play a big part in closing the loopholes that have allowed elected officials to hold office one day and lobby the next.

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