ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address disparities in health outcomes further highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation out of the Illinois Senate that would foster greater coordination and bolster services offered by hospitals in underserved communities.

“The only way to get us through this pandemic is to improve health outcomes in the communities most affected by the virus,” Gillespie said. “Transforming our health system to increase access and make quality care affordable will alleviate the generations-long disparities we see today.”

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the passage of an extensive piece of legislation that would address issues with the criminal justice system in Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) issued the following statement:

“It is time for change in our state and in our country.

“Like many of you, I watched in horror as radical anarchists stormed our Capitol, killing a police officer and putting our elected officials and democracy in peril. I feel ashamed knowing we still have a double standard in our society, simply because of the color of people’s skin. I have watched our debates over critical policy issues devolve into vicious personal attacks. We have stopped listening to and learning from each other.

“This week, we voted in the Illinois General Assembly to take a better path. I supported police reforms and accountability measures that I believe are absolutely necessary to heal the deep divide we face.

PEORIA – The Illinois State Legislature passed a measure that would reshape the state’s criminal justice system Wednesday.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted in favor of this historic piece of legislation, which represents the culmination of months of public hearings, hundreds of hours of testimony and negotiations with law enforcement, experts in law enforcement and criminal justice reform public policy, and residents throughout the state.

“After reading the bill and consulting with local government leaders, I knew there would need to be several changes before I could support it,” Koehler said. “I asked the sponsor to drop removal of qualified immunity, financial penalties for local governments that could not afford to provide body cameras for officers, and the removal of collective bargaining rights. The negotiations to accomplish these things were difficult, but in the end I believe we arrived at a solution that will increase trust and public safety without harming honest law enforcement officers.”

GLENVIEW – In response to higher-than-expected demand for COVID-19 testing in the area, the testing site located at Flick Park Field House in Glenview will add Sunday hours to their regular schedule, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced.

“After the holidays and with many people returning to work, residents have been seeking out tests to ensure they’re protecting their families and coworkers,” Senator Fine said. “I’m grateful to see the testing site is responding to our community’s needs by offering more appointment slots.”

Senator Fine partnered with local lawmakers and the Glenview Park District to bring the site to Glenview, which opened Jan. 4. The site is currently open by appointment Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Starting Jan. 17, the site will also be open Sunday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

In its first five days of operation, the site processed 780 tests, allowing the residents who had contracted COVID-19 to seek appropriate medical care and self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Testing services are available to all at no out-of-pocket cost. Those who are insured must bring their insurance card, but testing is also available to uninsured Illinoisans with an ID.

“If you traveled or gathered with friends and family over the holidays—even if you don’t feel ill—getting tested is an easy, reliable way to make sure you’re not spreading the virus,” Senator Fine said.

Testing is available by appointment only—sign up for an available time slot at http://bit.ly/flickparkcovid. With questions, contact Northshore Clinical Labs at (773) 570-6510 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Northshore Clinical Labs is not associated with NorthShore University HealthSystem.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) was sworn into office today for another term in the Illinois Senate.

“With the beginning of the 102nd General Assembly, I am hopeful that we can come together as a body to help our communities move forward from COVID-19,” Bennett said. “I will continue addressing the challenges facing the people of central and east-central Illinois, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the 52nd District for another term.”

SPRINGFIELD – In light of the state legislature’s passage of a criminal justice reform measure, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) released the following statement:

“Over the past four months, the Illinois Senate has conducted public hearings on specific legislative proposals related to criminal justice reform. Much of the content of the hearings was based on legislation pending before the General Assembly. The first public hearing was held on September 1, 2020. In total, nine public hearings were held, accounting for over 30 hours of public testimony. The work of those hearings was finalized and legislation was filed, reflected first in House Bill 163, with the anticipation that legislative action would be considered by the General Assembly during this past week.

SPRINGFIELD – Providing educators and students with the resources needed to succeed, fighting for quality, affordable health care and ensuring prosperity Downstate remain at the top of State Senator Dave Koehler’s (D-Peoria) legislative agenda.

Koehler, who was sworn in to his fifth term on Wednesday, is eager to continue working to improve the lives of the people of Central Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – This week’s lame duck session was a win for students and teachers with the passing of the Black Caucus’s education pillar and legislation restoring collective bargaining rights to Chicago teachers. With her background in education, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D- Shorewood) is especially proud to have been a part of such monumental votes.

“As a mother and former teacher and school board member, I’m proud one of the first votes I cast was to improve our school system for all children,” Loughran Cappel said. “Ensuring every child has the tools they need to success in their education is one of my top priorities.”