ELGIN – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Students and their families deserve to be informed and given resources to make higher education as accessible as possible,” said Castro. “As the cost of college continues to rise, I am hopeful this relief will support students facing economic hardship and those with limited access to resources.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

HIGHWOOD – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Three organizations in Lake County have been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senator Julie Morrison announced Wednesday.  

“Prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in our health care realm became even more vital during the pandemic,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “As chair of the Senate Health Committee, I have seen firsthand the need to close health equity gaps in Illinois. The ARISE program is a great step toward improving the health and well-being in our communities that have long suffered care inequities.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

Aurora, Ill. – Senator Linda Holmes is encouraging those who skipped mammograms in recent years get back to their health care provider as soon as possible, as the National Cancer Institute says an estimated 9.4 million screening tests did not happen during the pandemic.

“October 21 is National Mammography Day, and it is a particularly urgent time to schedule annual mammograms as we’ve learned how many screenings did not take place in recent years,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Studies show that screening mammography can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74, and especially for those over age 50.”

The prognosis for breast cancer is best if the diagnosis occurs in the condition’s earliest stages. The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging women who have delayed their screenings to take action now.

In 2019, Holmes saw her latest mammography legislation signed into law to limit insurers from charging for diagnostic mammograms out of pocket after a women has already had a previous issue, instead of just a co-pay, as women having screening mammograms do.

“For those who have already had a past diagnosis or prior abnormality, a doctor will skip the routine screening mammogram and order a diagnostic mammogram instead,” said Holmes. “More thorough testing can mean earlier detection and better odds at treating breast cancer.”

Public health officials note that health disparities that have previously been detected – that show more Black women die of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group – could be exacerbated by the screening gap.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds the public that their Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options.

 To enroll in IBCCP, women can call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be able to walk women through the eligibility requirements and the screening process.

GLENVIEW – During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, State Senator Laura Fine is reminding residents of available resources for survivors of domestic violence while working to educate more people on what constitutes domestic violence and abuse.

“Domestic violence has long-lasting impacts on the mental and physical health of survivors,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “We need to support survivors in their journey of recovery and educate about  what healthy relationships look like to encourage people to model these standards—and be able to recognize when a relationship is turning dangerous.”

Since 1989, October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and has become a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and victims. Although progress has been made to reduce domestic violence, the statistics are still staggering, with 1 and 3 women and 1 in 7 men becoming victims of domestic violence throughout their lives.

SHOREWOOD – During Manufacturing Month, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel highlights the importance of manufacturers in Illinois.

“Manufacturing drive ours region’s economy,” said Loughran Cappel. “Careers in manufacturing are the jobs of tomorrow. The 49^th District is lucky to be home to many up and coming businesses that ensure our state meets the demands of our global economy.”

The manufacturing industry supports $580 billion in annual economic impact and is the largest growing sector in Illinois. Manufacturers across the state employ more than 662,000 men and women on factory floors, earning an average wage of more than $79,400 and 92% of employees receive employer sponsored health care. 

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva, a longtime advocate of working to reduce domestic violence and provide survivors with resources, was appointed to the Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee.

“In the blink of an eye, someone’s life can devastatingly be taken at the hands of another,” said Villanueva. “As a legislator, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of survivors of domestic abuse and further work to lower the rates in which people’s lives are tragically lost in domestic violence situations.

Under the direction of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee is designed to provide resources that will allow anyone directly affected by domestic violence related fatalities and or any form of abuse, to get the help that need. 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence “In Illinois alone, 41.5% of women and 25.9% of men experience domestic violence at the hands of an intimate partner, family member or someone they know.”

SPRINGFIELD – During Manufacturing Month, State Senator Doris Turner highlights the importance of manufacturing in Illinois.

“Our state’s manufacturers drive our region’s economy,” said Turner. “The 48^th District is lucky to be home to many up and coming businesses that ensure our state meets the demands of our global economy.”

The manufacturing industry supports $580 billion in annual economic impact and is the largest growing sector in Illinois. Manufacturers across the state employ more than 662,000 men and women on factory floors, earning an average wage of more than $79,400 and 92% of employees receive employer sponsored health care.

Last month, Turner joined lawmakers and area stakeholders such as Richland Community College President Cris Valdez to award T/CCI Manufacturing in Decatur the state’s first Reimagining Electric Vehicles tax credit. 

Turner is happy to see the city welcome this innovative industry that will help generate good-paying jobs throughout the region.

ESSEX – As National Mammography day quickly approaches during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging women who may have postponed breast cancer screenings due to COVID-19 to take action and reschedule a comprehensive exam soon.

“Breast cancer affects thousands of women in all corners of our state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It is vital that women are being cautious of the signs of breast cancer and schedule their yearly exams for possible early detection of cancer.”

The National Cancer Institute reported an estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not happen because of the pandemic.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects over 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year.

“This disease is not something to dismiss,” Joyce said. “I encourage all women to make sure they are up-to-date on their breast screenings and to make mammogram appointments as needed.”