CHAMPAIGN – A proposal passed by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) requiring pharmaceutical companies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale was signed into law on Friday by Gov. Pritzker.

“The signing of this legislation establishes truth and transparency for the pharmaceutical industry,” Bennett said. “With this new law on the books, consumers will have the ability to make informed decisions about where to buy their prescriptions.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will soon be able to donate unused prescription drugs for redistribution through State Senator Karina Villa’s (D-West Chicago) Prescription Drug Repository Program.

“As we fight to lower the cost of prescription drugs, it’s imperative that we work to provide alternatives to buying medication at the costly market value,” Villa said. “I-DROP will help ensure families are not forced to make the tough decision between paying bills or buying food and purchasing necessary prescription medication.” 

PLAINFIELD– In an effort to promote local businesses and assist recovery efforts, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewod) is interested in touring small business tours within the 49^th District.

“Businesses are still struggling and recovery efforts are still ongoing, so it is more important than ever to support our local shops,” Loughran Cappel said. “Through these tours local businesses will be highlighted by my office and hopefully receive a much needed boost in traffic.”

Loughran Cappel launched an application process to tour restaurants, retail, and businesses that provide personal services, such as barber shops and salons. Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application here. Once the application is received, a member of Sen. Loughran Cappel’s team will respond with additional details.

Representatives of businesses with questions can call Sen. Loughran Cappel’s office at (815) 267-6119 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) along with State Rep. Will Guzzardi, the Kelvyn Park Advisory Council and other community partners hosted a Back-to-School Fair Saturday, featuring free school supplies, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, dental exams and more.

“It was a beautiful day, and I was so excited to see all the families come out to participate in our Back-to-School fair,” Pacione-Zayas said. “The event was a testament to the importance of coming together as a community to make sure our kids have the resources they need to start the school year off strong.”

SPRINGFIELD –To provide quality care to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that adds Alzheimer’s and dementia training to the license renewal process for doctors and other healthcare providers was signed into law today.

“Diagnosing Alzheimer’s early is essential for receiving the best treatment possible. This new law will better enable healthcare professionals to identify and recommend resources for patients showing signs of dementia.”

SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed a measure sponsored by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) that would restore benefits to veterans who received an “Other than Honorable” discharge for their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“From helping cover the cost of education to assisting with housing, veterans benefits play a large role for those who bravely served our country,” said Cullerton, who is a veteran himself. “For some veterans to not receive their well-deserved benefits because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable.”

SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed into law a measure sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) that creates a Folds of Honor license plate for families of service members who died in the line of duty.

“Creating a personalized license plate in Illinois is an easy way for people to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and support a terrific organization,” Bennett said. “Under this new law, Folds of Honor will be able to multiply the number of academic scholarships for spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members.”

SPRINGFIELD – Service members and their spouses will receive professional licenses faster in Illinois thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that was signed into law Sunday.

The measure will make transitions easier for those whose jobs depend on having a professional license and whose living arrangements are often changed by a deployment or cross-country transfer. An airman's spouse who works as an optometrist, for instance, would have an easier time receiving their license to practice in Illinois after transferring to Scott Airforce Base under the plan.