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CHICAGO – A new law to allow an alternative project delivery method on infrastructure improvements, introduced by Senate Transportation Committee chair Ram Villivalam, was signed by the governor on Wednesday.

“Streamlining the implementation of infrastructure projects will save taxpayer dollars and rebuild our roads, bridges and mass transit systems in a transparent and equitable manner,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Finding alternative ways to deliver on rebuilding Illinois remains a top priority for me as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.”

Senate Bill 2981 creates the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act, which authorizes the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Tollway Authority to use the design-build delivery method on highway construction projects. Currently, IDOT uses the design-bid-build project delivery method where the department designs a plan in-house, then reviews bids from contractors. Design-build would expedite that process by allowing a single entity to both design and start construction on the project. Projects that use this method would be capped at a combined total of $400 million.

MARYVILLE – State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe was recently confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Leading up to her swearing in, she released the following statement after resigning from the Illinois Senate Wednesday:

“Since joining the Senate in 2019, I’ve felt overwhelming support from my family, my colleagues in the General Assembly and the Metro East community—my heart is full of gratitude as I submit my resignation.

“I will cherish the partnerships and friendships that grew in my time in the Illinois Senate as we worked to advocate for change, update laws and improve our great state together. While serving the diverse communities of the 56th District was often challenging, I was overjoyed to see how we are united in our fight to enhance opportunities for families across the state.

CHICAGO – To give insulin-dependent diabetics a more effective way to manage their blood sugar levels, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a newly signed law to require insurance plans to cover continuous glucose monitors.

“This is a development in science that should be available to help people better regulate their diabetes,” Morrison said. “Glucose monitoring systems should be covered the same as other medical equipment.” 

Under Morrison’s law, insurance plans will be required to include coverage for continuous glucose monitors, which are regularly used to help people manages their diabetes through a wearable device rather than pricking their finger. Any person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes that requires insulin will be provided coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam applauded the appointment of three new members to the Asian American Family Commission on Tuesday.

“I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to all of the new members of this commission,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “The work they will do to advocate for the diverse needs of our Asian American communities will help build on Illinois’ commitment to being the most welcoming state in the nation, with opportunity for all who call it home.”

Shobhana Verma is the Executive Director of the South Asian American Policy and Research Institute, located in Chicago. Under her leadership, SAAPRI has worked to reduce systemic barriers to and engage Asian American communities in the electoral process.

CHICAGO – To allow students in custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections the opportunity to continue to earn an education while serving their time, State Senator Mike Simmons passed a law to allow students to attend classes remotely.

“I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Senate for supporting this legislation,” said Simmons (D-Chicago) This removes a systemic barrier for youth in custody who ought to be able to continue their education. We are giving them a better chance of finding employment and thriving when re-entering their communities”

Simmons’ law will create a pilot program to allow remote learning for students of Consuella B. York Alternative High School that are in the custody of the IDOC. If successful, the program could roll out in other alternative schools across Illinois. California currently has programs that allow inmates to work toward their Bachelor’s Degree. Research from the Cal Matters Organization show such programs have contributed to improving opportunities and lowering recidivism rates.

SPRINGFIELD – A new pilot program to provide crime survivors with more comprehensive resources and support is coming to Springfield thanks to a law backed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Victims of violent crime often trauma and repercussions long after the crime occurred,” Turner said. “This law aims to support those victims and help them find closure and better manage their lives.”

Turner serves as a chief co-sponsor on House Bill 4736, which will create a Co-Responder Pilot Program within the Springfield Police Department. The program’s primary focus would be to provide crisis intervention, case management, advocacy and ongoing emotional support to victims of all crimes, particularly to those that cause a high level of trauma. The program – which will launch within the next six months – will allow social workers and mental health professionals to work alongside law enforcement officers on calls involving those who may need mental or behavioral health services. 

CHICAGO – To keep consumers with latex allergies safe when visiting a restaurant, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) passed a law to ban food service establishments from using latex gloves.

“Avoiding allergies when going out to eat can be difficult for those allergic to latex,” Jones said. “This law protects diners from being harmed in ways they cannot predict.”

House Bill 209 bans food service establishments, EMS personnel and health care facility personnel from using latex gloves when handling and preparing food. Currently the Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act does not regulate the use of gloves to prepare or handle food.

SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, two new laws will protect consumers from shady business practices and promote transparency.

“The goal of these new laws is to protect small businesses and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Keeping our stores and delivery services transparent about pricing will ensure that consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in Illinois law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. To ensure shoppers receive their discount, Joyce supported House Bill 2910 to require supermarkets to show both the regular and sale prices of items as they are rung up.