Senator Fine lays foundation for statewide behavioral health crisis system

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to improve the behavioral health crisis response system, State Senator Laura Fine has passed the Strengthening and Transforming Behavioral Health Crisis Care in Illinois Act. This will ensure we have a dependable behavioral health crisis system, including the 9-8-8 hotline.

“We need to make certain Illinoisans have an effective behavioral health crisis response system that can meet their needs,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This legislation will help us assess the quality and affordability of behavioral health crisis services and as a result, make improvements to the system.”

House Bill 3230 would require an independent third party to conduct a cost analysis of a statewide initiative for the coordination and delivery of the continuum of behavioral health crisis response services in the state. Following the results of the report, a working group will develop recommendations for a cohesive behavioral health crisis response system that will be able to support the needs of Illinoisans. This would include the costs of maintaining crisis call centers, staffing, technological infrastructure enhancements and more.

Read more: Senator Fine lays foundation for statewide behavioral health crisis system

Senator Fine measure to make specialty services more accessible for HMO patients passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to eliminate hurdles HMO patients face when seeking treatment by medical specialists passed the Senate on Thursday, moving it one step closer to becoming law.

“The current HMO system can cause serious delays for people who need specialized care, which can lead to adverse health effects,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This new measure will ensure patients can get the care they need as soon as possible to allow them to start feeling healthy again.”

House Bill 1186 would allow HMO patients to have appointments and receive care with in-network specialists covered by their insurance, eliminating the requirement to get a referral from a general practitioner. This will allow HMO patients to get the care they need in a timely manner.

Read more: Senator Fine measure to make specialty services more accessible for HMO patients passes Senate

Senator Fine Promotes Compost Awareness Week

SPRINGFIELD – To highlight the benefits of composting and the importance of adopting more sustainable practices, State Senator Laura Fine introduced a Senate Resolution declaring May 7th through May 13th of 2023 “Compost Awareness Week” in Illinois.

“There are many sustainable practices we can adopt to better support our environment and our planet,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This week, we are highlighting the benefits of composting, including preventing waste and replenishing our natural resources, to inspire people to adopt composting in their daily lives.”

Composting is an effective form of waste reduction and recycling. Organic materials, such as yard trimmings, vegetable cuttings, biosolids, food scraps, manure and hay shavings make up approximately 30% of the material going to landfills. Organic materials can be converted into compost, which prevents further waste being unnecessarily added to landfills. It also has beneficial properties when added back into soil, such as conserving water, decreasing dependence on chemical fertilizers and reducing erosion.

Read more: Senator Fine Promotes Compost Awareness Week

Senator Fine ensures victims of human rights violations have more avenues to seek justice

SPRINGFIELD – To provide all victims of human rights violations the opportunity to seek justice, State Senator Laura Fine is working on legislation with the Illinois Department of Human Rights to improve how they investigate possible violations.

“With this law, we are assuring Illinoisans who have a human rights complaint that we hear them and are willing to fight for them,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “There will be more avenues to pursue justice with this measure and will help ensure no one slips through the cracks.”

Read more: Senator Fine ensures victims of human rights violations have more avenues to seek justice