Fine’s new law increases access to specialized care for children living with serious illnesses

SPRINGFIELD – Private insurance will now cover specialized care for children living with serious illnesses while allowing the child to seek additional treatments, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that was recently signed into law.

“In Illinois, seriously ill children deserve consistency in high quality, child-centered care regardless of where they live and whether they have public or private health insurance,” Fine said. “This law will allow for more families to access this critical care without having to worry whether or not their insurance will cover the treatments.”

Under Fine’s law, patients with private insurance will now be covered for pediatric palliative care. Palliative care is a specialized medical care for people living with serious illnesses focused on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life with the medical condition. Some forms of this care include expert management of physical and emotional symptoms, as well as patient and family counseling.

Many patients who have access to this type of treatment see less emergency room visits, shorter hospital stays, and experience an improved wellbeing for themselves and their families. Despite these benefits, only 1% of the 2,800 children in Illinois living with chronic illness currently have access to this treatment.

Sen. Fine is a longtime advocate of increasing accessibility of pediatric palliative care. In 2021, while working with advocates like the Greater Illinois Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition, she sponsored a measure requiring Medicaid to cover pediatric palliative care.

“For children living with serious illness, palliative care is vital in keeping children out of the hospital and decreasing family stress. This results in improved quality of life for the patient and his or her entire family,” Fine said. “This law is crucial to ensure seriously ill children in Illinois and their families have the care and support that they deserve.”

Senate Bill 3819 was signed into law May 13, 2022. It goes into effect January 1, 2023.

Fine condemns leaked Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, promises to protect reproductive rights

SPRINGFIELD –Last night, a draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the case legalizing abortion nationwide, was leaked. State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement condemning this decision:

“In this day and age, it is unconscionable that women would be denied reproductive rights. I will fight to ensure women do not go backwards and our fundamental rights are protected."

Jewish Caucus members condemn rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus stand together to denounce the rise of antisemitism after the Anti-Defamation League reported a historically high level of anti-Semitic incidents in 2021, including a 15% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois from 2020 to 2021.

“The rise in antisemitism in our state and around the world cannot be ignored,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “Anti-Semitic rhetoric, posted online or on fliers, can lead to dangerous actions. We must work together to stand up against hatred in our communities.”

The Anti-Defamation League is an anti-hate organization focused on anti-bias education, assessing the climate of antisemitism and bigotry, and fighting hate online. Their most recent report documented the highest number of recorded incidents against American Jews since the organization began gathering data in 1979.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, a total of 175 anti-Semitic incidents took place in the Midwest this past year, with 53 incidents in Illinois. These incidents included harassment, vandalism, and assault, and have risen exponentially in the last two years.

“The increase of anti-Semitic attacks is alarming,” said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Standing in solidarity with the Jewish community is a first step, but people must be upstanders, not bystanders and speak out against antisemitism."

The report also follows anti-Semitic incidents in the district Fine represents. Anonymous flyers depicting Jewish politicians—including Senator Fine and Governor JB Pritzker—with anti-Semitic language were distributed to homes in Park Ridge, Glenview, and Niles.

“Anti-Semitic attacks are increasing not only around the world but also in our backyards,” Representative Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) said. “It is important that we strongly condemn the spread of hate to keep our communities safe and welcoming for people of all faith backgrounds.”

To read the full report from the Anti-Defamation League, click here.

Fine celebrates mental health care funding in FY 23 budget

SPRINGFIELD –With major investments appropriated to improve mental health care across the state, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) was pleased to support the Fiscal Year 23 budget, which was signed into law Tuesday morning.

“This budget will increase access to mental and behavioral health care for people struggling throughout the state,” Senator Fine said. “The pandemic has only amplified existing mental health conditions. Prioritizing mental health care in Illinois is long overdue, but I am hopeful this budget will successfully address these shortcomings and put mental health care front and center.”

The budget includes $5 million in funding for the 9-8-8 mental health hotline. The hotline will provide crucial support services to individuals in crisis. Senator Fine’s initiative created a fund to maintain the hotline in Illinois, which will be operational in July. To ensure the hotline is a high-quality resource for all Illinoisians, the fund will help ensure financial assistance is available to hire caseworkers, operators, and provide staff training.

The budget also invests $50 million in addiction treatment, supporting people recovering from behavioral and mental health issues across the state.

“As chair of the Senate Mental and Behavioral Health Committee, I often hear from Illinoisans that their mental health needs are not taken as seriously compared to conditions impacting their physical health,” Senator Fine said. “This should not be the case. I am grateful that this budget not only invests in mental and behavioral health care, but establishes this care as a priority, letting our communities know that we are supporting them while they bravely face mental and behavioral health challenges.”

The Fiscal Year 2023 budget will take effect July 1, 2022.