Cunningham advances clean energy development for public school campuses

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Bill Cunningham has advanced legislation to help Illinois public schools develop solar energy projects.

“As we look at the rising costs of good and utilities across our country, we must make sure our schools have every alternative to lower their costs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation will help streamline the process for schools who want to participate in our states clean energy alternatives.”

Read more: Cunningham advances clean energy development for public school campuses

Guzmán effort to protect minor contraceptive access in Illinois passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s legislation to preserve contraceptive services or supplies for minors through legislation recently passed the Senate.

“Illinois has been, and must continue to be, a protector of contraceptive care,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “We have to create safeguards so that we have a choice when it comes our bodies.”

Senate Bill 3341 would provide that any minor may give effective consent for contraceptive services or supplies and the consent of no other person is required. According to KFF, several states require parental consent to obtain contraceptive care and many states do not guarantee the rights of minors to consent to contraceptive services.

Read more: Guzmán effort to protect minor contraceptive access in Illinois passes Senate

Simmons Joins AIDS Foundation Chicago to Advocate for HIV Funding

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was joined by State Representative Norma Hernandez, Alderman Lamont Robinson and advocates from AIDS Foundation Chicago, BLACHE, TaskForce Prevention and Community Services, School of Opulence, and the Springfield Urban League at a press conference Tuesday to advocate for over $6 million for HIV funding infrastructure in Illinois through Senate Bill 2814, which would restore funding for Illinois’ PrEP Medication Assistance Program and allocate funding for STI screening.

“For the fourth year in a row, I am proud to carry legislation that provides full funding for HIV prevention and treatment, and helps us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030.”  said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Through the work of providers, advocates, policymakers and people living with and vulnerable to HIV, Illinois has made real progress toward ending the HIV epidemic in our state. We must continue to make sure Illinoisans living with HIV do not lose access to the care they need.”

Through the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program, known as Illinois ADAP, residents living with HIV/AIDS have access to life-saving medications which in turn prevent further HIV transmissions via viral suppression. Now, amid a storm of proposed federal budget cuts, the impact of slashing Medicaid and the expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits have increased risks for residents who depend on Illinois ADAP and could leave them without access to medications that keep them healthy.

Read more: Simmons Joins AIDS Foundation Chicago to Advocate for HIV Funding

Belt advances measure to protect consumers’ ability to pay with cash

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments up to $500.

“For many Illinois residents, cash remains a dependable and necessary way to pay for everyday purchases,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “People deserve the freedom to choose how they pay.”

Read more: Belt advances measure to protect consumers’ ability to pay with cash