GLENVIEW – Families across Cook County will soon be able to enjoy upgraded services at their local libraries thanks to more than $257,000 in grants, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Thursday.
“Our local libraries are an incredible resource for people of all ages, and I can’t wait to see the upgrades that come from this funding,” Senator Fine said. “Whether you’re working remotely, taking classes virtually or simply reading a book for pleasure, libraries can open the door to endless opportunities.”
The $257,000 received by six local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.
Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.
“I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois’ public libraries provide to all residents,” Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White said. “I truly believe libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and I am pleased to provide this increased funding to help them serve the public.”
The following libraries in the district Senator Fine represents will receive funds:
o Evanston Public Library, $109,866
o Glencoe Public Library, $12,866
o Glenview Public Library, $65,920
o Kenilworth Public Library District, $3,706
o Wilmette Public Library District, $39,953
o Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District, $25,601
For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.
SPRINGFIELD – To better support Illinois residents, a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will significantly increase access to medically necessary health care, giving people with mental health and substance use disorders the ability to access treatment sooner, get back on their feet and move forward with the support they need.
“Insurance companies should provide coverage for mental health treatment along the same guidelines as other types of medically necessary treatment,” Senator Fine said. “Breaking down barriers for those seeking mental health treatment by expanding insurance coverage is essential.”
Many patients seeking care for mental health conditions have found that their insurance companies refuse to cover their treatment because it has been deemed medically unnecessary according to a set of private and often complicated guidelines put in place by the insurer.
Senator Fine’s measure will require insurance carriers to consider mental health treatment medically necessary, in the same manner as substance use disorder treatment, to ensure individuals are not denied access to care. As many patients with substance use disorders also suffer from mental health conditions, this initiative will provide better transparency and consistency for those seeking both types of treatment.
House Bill 2595 was signed into law Wednesday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.
SPRINGFIELD – Pregnant women will have more options on where to deliver under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that establishes a path to permanent licensure for freestanding birth centers.
“Expecting mothers should have the ability to choose their birth style without limitations caused by a lack of freestanding birth center licenses in their area,” Senator Fine said. “Whether a pregnant woman is seeking a certified nurse midwife or they simply want a lower-cost birthing style, lifting the licensure cap for freestanding birth centers will help increase access to birth centers across Illinois.”
Senator Fine’s legislation creates the Birth Center Licensing Act, lifting the current cap on the number of freestanding birth center licenses, so more women, especially those in marginalized communities, have access to the birthing style they prefer. Freestanding birth centers will still be regulated under the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act, and licenses will have to be renewed every year.
Freestanding birth centers are a lower-cost option for expectant mothers seeking a more homelike approach to childbirth who do not want a hospital setting. There are currently just two freestanding birth centers in Illinois that provide this style of care.
"All families should have the right to pick a birth plan that best fits their situation," said State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), who sponsored the bill in the House. "Making freestanding birth centers widely available as a low-cost alternative to hospitals will give expectant mothers the opportunity to choose an affordable option for where to have their child. I'm proud this legislation will help get new lives off to a fair start."
House Bill 3995 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.
SPRINGFIELD – Family members will be able to provide greater support for loved ones receiving treatment in mental health facilities under legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which was signed into law Friday. Doctors will be able to provide information to patients’ family members to help them continue care upon release.
“Information is power when it comes to helping loved ones take care of their mental health,” Senator Fine said. “Family members who are involved in every step of the treatment process should receive information from mental health facilities in order to help their relative continue on a path forward with their mental health care.”
Senator Fine’s Access to Basic Mental Health Information Act will give certain family members access to information about their loved one’s care, including whether the individual is located at the mental health facility, their current physical and mental condition, diagnosis, treatment needs, services provided, services and medication needed, discharge planning or continuity of care, and a physician’s report if clinically appropriate.
The parent, adult sibling, adult child, spouse or adult grandchild of the individual in care will be able to request information from the mental health facility if they meet certain criteria.
"This bill ensures that families are not left in the dark when a loved one is in crisis while, at the same time, strengthens protections against abuse, manipulation or limits on patient autonomy,” said State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview), who sponsored the bill in the House. “It’s a critical step to ensuring that families can be there to help when it's needed most."
Public Act 102-0372 was signed into law Friday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.
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