CHICAGO — To expand mental health screenings for Illinois’ children and tackle the staggering rise of these challenges in our youth — including increased rates of sadness, hopelessness and difficulty with schoolwork — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz led Senate Bill 1560, a new law that improves access to early detection, diagnosis and treatment among students in grades 3-12.

“This phase of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative is the boldest step to date,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Universal mental health screenings in schools help with early identification, and if a child requires services, the BEACON portal is there to assist in accessing comprehensive support and behavioral health services.”

Feigenholtz has worked alongside members of the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, led by Dr. Dana Weiner, since 2022. Feigenholtz sponsored and passed the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act in 2023, paving the way for the new BEACON portal, a centralized online platform for Illinois children and families seeking mental health services. Through BEACON, youth and caregivers can find services they qualify for, manage health records securely, receive real-time updates, and request additional case support.

SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her efforts to protect the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ Illinoisans, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz advanced legislation this week to update Illinois’ property laws with gender-neutral language.

“I’m proud of what Illinois has done to support the LGBTQ+ community, from updating our marriage laws with gender-neutral language to easing barriers to name changes,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “House Bill 1083 continues this critical work of ensuring Illinois’ laws give people the freedom to live as their true, authentic selves.”

Current law only references property transfers between a husband and wife, which has led to lengthy delays in real estate transactions for same-sex couples and transgender individuals in Illinois. Feigenholtz’s proposal addresses this problem by revising state law to refer to married couples with gender-neutral language, giving clarity to title companies and ensuring same-sex couples do not face barriers to acquiring or transferring property.

SPRINGFIELD — Like large urban centers throughout the country, downtown Chicago faces critical challenges coming out of the pandemic as people make different decisions about how and where they live, work, dine and play — something State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is working to change.

“With hybrid workforces, evolving consumer habits and low office occupancy rates across the central business district, Chicago is in need of a united revitalization effort,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “By carefully examining what other cities have done to bounce back from post-pandemic challenges, we can creatively and sustainably rebuild our vibrant, thriving downtown economy.”

Feigenholtz is working to create the Chicago Downtown Revitalization Task Force. The task force would study factors impacting long-term growth in Chicago’s central business district and recommend innovative policies to enhance economic activity, attract travelers and investments, and increase the overall vitality of the city’s central business district.

SPRINGFIELD — Third-party restaurant ‘booking’ services have cropped up in foodie destinations recently, including Chicago. Scooping up restaurant reservations and reselling them on an auction-style platform with the promise of exclusivity is a new trick. In response, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a bill aiming to protect Illinoisans from these price-gouging tactics. 

“Restaurants operate on the slimmest of margins to keep prices competitive and attract customers,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “When bad actors try to turn a profit using a restaurant’s name and likeness without consent, owners are left scrambling with no-shows, eroding trust in the culinary industry.”