Senator Iris Y. Martinez News

Martinez says Quinn needs to re-think Dwight prison closing

Written by Martinez Staff Thursday, 15 March 2012 14:53

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Fearing the long-term societal impact of the proposed closing of the women’s prison in Dwight, State Senator Iris Y. Martinez is urging the governor to reconsider.

“This is punishment on the families, not the prisoners,” Martinez said of Gov. Pat Quinn’s plans to close the prison in Dwight and move the female inmates nearly 100 miles south to a state prison in Lincoln.

Martinez Legislation Provides New Patient Protections

Written by Martinez Staff Tuesday, 06 December 2011 11:26

Springfield, IL – Recently, State Senator Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) passed legislation that further her efforts to protect patients from medical malpractice. Public Act 97-662 makes a host of changes that will ensure that patients receive quality care while under doctor supervision.

"Quality of care is one of the most important factors on the road to recovery," Senator Martinez said. "We must continue working with medical practitioners to make certain patients are given the best care possible and patients aren’t cheated out of quality care."

Martinez Supports Legislation for New Mothers Who are Incarcerated

Written by Martinez Staff Tuesday, 06 December 2011 11:24

Springfield, IL – This week, State Senator Iris Y. Martinez helped pass legislation that bans the use of restraints on non-threatening, pregnant, female prisoners in Cook County.

The legislation, House Bill 1958, redefines the guidelines on using restraints on pregnant prisoners as well as those new mothers who are giving birth. Restraints are also banned from use if the inmate is recovering from child birth.

Martinez Brings Nurse Licensure Compact to Illinois

Written by Martinez Staff Friday, 20 May 2011 10:20

Springfield – Yesterday, State Senator Iris Martinez (D- Chicago) along with Senator Emil Jones III passed legislation that makes Illinois the 25th State to become a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. The Initiative is aimed at increasing access to patience care across state lines via multi-state licensure. The importance of care coordination and safe transition of care, as patients move from one level of care to the next, is significantly and positively impacted by the adoption of the Compact.

Martinez Legislation to Prevent Domestic Battery Offenders from Owning Guns

Written by Martinez staff Wednesday, 18 May 2011 17:08

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Today, State Senator Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) passed House Bill 3365 that prohibits people convicted of domestic battery from owning guns and restricts anyone under a restraining order from possessing a firearm.

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Senator Martinez Passes Legislation for Bilingual Education

Written by Martinez staff Wednesday, 18 May 2011 16:53

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) passed legislation today that will require the Advisory Council on Bilingual Education to submit a report to the State Superintendent, General Assembly and the Governor to address necessary changes to bilingual education.