SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is spearheading a measure that would allow paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license to become fully licensed once their short-term license expires.

“Paraprofessionals are an important part of our education system,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “They provide crucial support for instructional, behavioral and personal care for students under the guidance of teachers and administrators.”

SPRINGFIELD — To address the increase in suicide rates among veterans in the United States, State Senator Mike Porfirio has advanced legislation to extend the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

“We must be consistent in our effort to support suicide prevention efforts for veterans,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This crisis will not solve itself; I will continue to urgently support new treatment solutions for our dedicated service members.”

SPRINGFIELD – Studies find that work release programs can play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, there is a lack of rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention, leading State Senator Laura Ellman to advance Senate Bill 3333.

“Rehabilitation programs are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “If someone takes the initiative to improve their life by participating in programs that build skills and strengthen families, that effort should be recognized no matter where they are being held.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Adriane Johnson and Meg Loughran Cappel stood together Thursday to outline legislation aimed at breaking down barriers to menopause treatment and strengthening medical education around perimenopause and menopause care.

“Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet far too many women struggle in silence or face unnecessary barriers to care,” Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) said. “By expanding education opportunities for providers and removing red tape for patients, we are taking meaningful steps toward improving health outcomes and validating women’s lived experiences.”

The measures would expand insurance access to FDA-approved menopause therapies and ensure health care professionals receive education to better recognize and manage symptoms experienced by millions of women.

Johnson’s legislation, Senate Bill 3325, would allow a continuing education course covering perimenopause and menopause to count toward the one-hour implicit bias awareness training already required for health care professional license renewal. The implicit bias training requirement has been in place since Jan. 1, 2023. The bill would not create a new mandate but would rather incentivize providers to expand their knowledge of menopause care while fulfilling existing requirements.

Loughran Cappel’s legislation, Senate Bill 3688, would prohibit private health insurance plans in Illinois from requiring prior authorization or step therapy for menopause therapies that are FDA-approved, guideline-supported and prescribed by a qualified clinician. The bill aims to build on previous bipartisan efforts to expand menopause coverage that took effect Jan. 1, 2026.

“My measure would require medical professionals, including nurses and physician assistants, to learn about menopause and perimenopause during medical school,” said State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “In order to properly take care of our residents, we need our health care providers to be well-educated on the topic of menopause.”

Senate Bills 3325 and 3688 await further action.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter and State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday to advocate for increased safeguards for SNAP benefits.

“By changing from a swipe to a tap, we are ensuring fraudulent transactions from skimmers are less likely to happen and that benefits are protected,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This is one action that can lead to big savings and less fraud in Illinois social services.”

At the press conference, Hunter and Simmons outlined Senate Bill 3266, which would require the Illinois Department of Human Services to implement the use of chip-enabled cards for electronic benefit systems. In 2024, over 89,000 fraudulent transactions involving SNAP benefits were reported to IDHS. By making this change, the measure would allow SNAP participants using EBT cards to use chip readers in their transactions.

SPRINGFILED — Alongside advocates and colleagues, State Senator Julie Morrison hosted a press conference Wednesday highlighting legislation she is spearheading that would provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices – bolstering treatment and diagnostic access for those suffering from seizure disorders.

“These disorders can greatly affect one’s quality of life – limiting their ability to drive, requiring additional assistance and becoming a financial strain, in addition to living with the disorder itself,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Expanding access to these devices is a critical step to ensuring longer, healthier lives.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure that would modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

“This program allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money in tax-advantaged accounts to pay for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We have obligations to empower residents with disabilities, to commit ourselves to inclusion and to support those most in need, and improving how we advertise this service would help us fulfill those obligations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday with Senate colleagues to champion legislation he has filed to protect SNAP recipients from fraud as well as regulate payday advance services.

“My colleagues and I are determined to pass legislation that protects SNAP recipients,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The Trump administration has slashed federal support for SNAP, which puts more people at risk of going hungry and not being able to feed their families. Illinois needs to take action to protect SNAP from fraud and prevent further hardship.”