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Senate Democrats Lead Tollway Reform Effort CHICAGO, IL – On Wednesday, November 4, the Illinois Senate Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs continued a series of hearings to discuss the financial management practices of the Illinois Toll Highway Authority (ITHA).
Koehler attends German Chancellor Merkel's address This morning, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and his wife Nora Sullivan attended German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s address to the joint session of the United States Congress.
Senate Advances $1 Billion Health Care Economic Stimulus Plan Springfield – Legislation that would quickly pump nearly $1.1 billion in new federal Medicaid funds into the Illinois economy and provide critical support to the state’s health care delivery system today passed the Illinois Senate.
Hendon Wins Fight to Preserve Free Rides For Seniors Springfield, IL- State Senator Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) held to his commitment of not allowing legislation to pass the legislature this week which would take free rides away from the elderly.
Munoz bill to strengthen penalties for gang members Springfield, Illinois —Legislation sponsored by Illinois State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) will strengthen the penalties for gang members who possess firearms on public streets.

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Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Democrats Continue Work Towards Nursing Home Care Reform

Democratic legislators expressed their discontent over the way Illinois provides care for nursing home residents at a joint hearing of the Illinois Senate’s Public Health and Human Services Committees.

"The quality of care that residents in nursing homes receive is simply inadequate and insufficient," opened Mattie Hunter who serves as Chair of the Senate’s Human Services Committee.

Democrats heard testimony from advocates, the public, state agencies, and representatives of the nursing home industry. All agreed that it is time to work together to bring substantive change.

"Year after year, nothing has really changed," said Sen. Susan Garrett. "The time has come where rubber has to meet the road."

Participants also included Michael Gelder who serves as the coordinator of Governor Quinn’s Nursing Home Safety Taskforce. He stressed that any policy recommendations the Task Force makes will ultimately need the General Assembly’s approval. Democrats asked for the Governor’s support amidst drafting their own legislative solutions.

On September 22, Democrats gathered to hear the horror stories of neglect in Illinois nursing homes in urban areas. Witnesses provided factual evidence which brought to light a pattern of compromised care while every day citizens told anecdotal stories which painted a vivid picture of this problem. Most importantly the resounding theme expressed was that the current system of nursing home care in Illinois must be changed.

Since that time Senator Jacqueline Collins has expressed her willingness to author legislation which would put us in federal compliance by adding legislation to our state laws to prohibit racial discrimination in long-term care facilities.

"This is the type of policy solution these hearings are intend to bring forth," said Public Health Chair William Delgado. "Progressive policies which will help the executive branch oversee those who care for our loved ones."

 

   

Brandon’s Law: Lessons from a Tragic Loss

Drafting legislation is certainly a process. It takes hours and hours of discussions and it is rare that all the parties involved agree on the specifics. Sometimes it can feel like we are just pushing paper from one side of the table to the other, and then pushing it back. Last year I worked diligently with Representative Pat Verschoore and the Ballard family to draft legislation promoting testicular cancer awareness. It was a long and arduous task, but yesterday I witnessed the end result and was reminded why our roles as legislators are important.

Read more: Brandon’s Law: Lessons from a Tragic Loss

   

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