Martinez to continue advocating for mental health services for children

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) has been named to serve on the Children’s Mental Health Partnership, she announced Tuesday.

“Children in Illinois are suffering from mental health issues because they don’t have access to the adequate resources required to treat their illnesses,” Martinez said. “As a member on this bipartisan coalition, I am devoted to being a strong voice for children needing assistance with their mental health.”

The Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership (ICMHP) is the only statewide, public/private partnership of policymakers and advocates in Illinois committed to improving the scope, quality, and access of mental health programs, services, and supports for children.

Read more: Martinez to continue advocating for mental health services for children

Lightford's 10th annual event recognizes grandparents

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) hosted her 10th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Hall of Fame this week. The event celebrates the often over-looked work that over 280,000 grandparents in Illinois do to raise their grandchildren.

“I started doing the Hall of Fame because there was no support at all for grandparents,” said Lightford. “We just want to provide them with a day that is specifically for their enjoyment, relaxation and entertainment. I want to let them know that I appreciate them for parenting for a second time and caring for their children and families, and not allowing them to become victims of the system.”

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Steans talks pensions on City Club panel

Senator Heather Steans spoke alongside state government policymakers at the City Club of Chicago Monday to address ways the state can fulfill its pension obligations.

Steans talked about the possible revenue streams that could be used to pay down pension obligations and other methods.

"We have a moral obligation not just to the taxpayers, but to the public employees who have been betting on this," Steans said. "This is their retirement. We have an obligation as well to ... allow them to live dignified lives."

Read more: Steans talks pensions on City Club panel

Lightford protects consumers from deceptive utility plans

SPRINGFIELD – To protect consumers from being taken advantage of due to misinformation from alternative retail electric suppliers, Senate Majority Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) led legislation that was signed into law on Tuesday.

“The data clearly demonstrates that alternative suppliers focus their signup efforts on low-income neighborhoods, those where English is a secondary language and communities of color,” Lightford said. “I am proud to stand with Governor Pritzker and Attorney General Raoul to protect our most vulnerable residents from unknowingly signing contracts that will result in rate hikes they cannot afford.”

According to the Attorney General’s Office, over the last three years consumers who are enrolled with alternative retail electric suppliers have paid almost $400 million more in electricity costs than consumers who stayed with their default public utility.

Read more: Lightford protects consumers from deceptive utility plans