Crowe holds hearing on state’s approach to opioid epidemic

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Senate’s special committee on Opioid Crisis Abatement held their first meeting under the leadership of State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“There is a tremendous need for new ideas and research to combat Illinois’ opioid crisis,” Crowe said. “This committee’s goal is to produce real, comprehensive solutions.”

Jennifer Epstein, Director of Opioid Initiatives with the Department of Public Health, testified to the committee, giving feedback and status updates on the implementation of the State of Illinois’ Opioid Action Plan (SOAP) 2018 report.

Read more: Crowe holds hearing on state’s approach to opioid epidemic

Villivalam hosts Ela Gandhi for fireside chat on justice

SKOKIE – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) hosted a fireside chat with a panel of activists that included Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mandali Buddha Prasad, former Deputy Speaker of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and David Grengan, President of the Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Committee RSA, also sat on the panel. Villivalam and the panelists discussed Gandhi’s civil rights work, his commitment to nonviolent resistance and his dedication to bridging racial and religious divides.

Read more: Villivalam hosts Ela Gandhi for fireside chat on justice

Morrison reminds Illinoisans of ‘Red Flag’ law

SPRINGFIELD – Oftentimes following a mass shooting, friends, family members or neighbors mention they were worried about the person’s threatening behavior but didn’t know where to turn.

“Time and time again, we hear family members say they were worried that someone close to them would harm others, but they didn’t know who to tell until it was too late,” said State Senator Julie Morrison. “Previously, if a person did report disturbing behavior, there was not a law in place to allow law enforcement to step in.”

The far too common occurrence led the Deerfield Democrat to pass the Firearms Restraining Order Act – also known as the “Red Flag” law.

Read more: Morrison reminds Illinoisans of ‘Red Flag’ law

Governor expresses support for Manar’s measure to cap insulin costs

CHICAGO – Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) introduced a new measure to cap the skyrocketing costs of prescription insulin for Illinoisans with diabetes, which has garnered support from Governor JB Pritzker.

“Health care is a right, not a privilege,” said Pritzker. “As we work to address the high cost of prescription drugs that are burdening millions all across our state, this legislation is an essential step in the right direction toward fulfilling our promise to put state government back on the side of working families.”

Senate Bill 667 would cap patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

Over 30 million Americans have diabetes, and 7.4 million Americans require prescription insulin every day to survive, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the price of insulin has climbed sharply in recent years, driving many patients to sacrifice other daily needs to pay for insulin or ration their supply.

Read more: Governor expresses support for Manar’s measure to cap insulin costs