Fine congratulates new Senate President Don Harmon

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) extended her congratulations to new Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park):

“I offer my sincere congratulations to Senator Harmon, who has been chosen to serve as President of the Illinois Senate.

“Although I am relatively new to the Senate, I know that Former President Cullerton’s leadership will be missed. Still, I am excited to see Senator Harmon take Illinois and the Senate in a new direction, and I know that his experience as a champion of many progressive causes, like health care reform and enhanced public education, will serve our state well.

“From fighting for environmental justice to ensuring all Illinoisans have access to affordable health care, I look forward to working with Senate President Harmon to enact positive change across our great state.”

More seniors eligible for transportation assistance in 2020

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department on Aging has adjusted its annual income eligibility limits for the Benefit Access Program, allowing more seniors to qualify to receive transportation assistance in 2020.

“This is the first income limit increase since 2010, despite the rising cost of living,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m glad to see that our most vulnerable seniors will now be able to get help with their transportation needs.”

The Benefit Access Program includes the Secretary of State License Plate Discount, the Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit and the Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride. The services aim to help older adults live independently by improving their transportation options.

For applications submitted on or after Jan. 1, 2020, the new annual income limit for a two-person household is $44,533. This is an increase of nearly $8,000 from the previous income limit.

“Taking care of our senior residents is one of my top priorities,” said Fine. “Increasing income eligibility limits extends these important services to those who need them most.”

To determine eligibility, individuals must submit an online Benefit Access Application. Paper applications are not available. Those without access to a computer can contact their local Area Agency on Aging, senior center, public library or community center for assistance.

Senator Fine supports cap on rising insulin costs

SPRINGFIELD – New legislation chief co-sponsored by Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) would give Illinois diabetics relief from the skyrocketing costs of insulin.

“Prescription drug companies have burdened diabetics and their families with prohibitive costs for too long. People have been forced to choose between paying their bills and getting the insulin they need,” said Fine. “We are stepping up and putting a stop to the price gouging.”

Senate Bill 667 caps patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and 7.4 million Americans require prescription insulin every day to survive, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the price of insulin has risen sharply in recent years, driving many patients to sacrifice other daily needs to pay for insulin or to ration their supply.

The legislation would make Illinois the second state to cap prescription insulin co-payments.

“Diabetics should be able to afford life-saving insulin without having to sacrifice other needs,” said Fine. “The cost of a prescription should never prevent them from leading happy, healthy lives.”

The bill passed the Senate 48-7 and now heads to the House of Representatives.

Senator Fine legislation protecting victims of financial crimes signed into law

GLENVIEW – The statute of limitations on civil actions related to certain financial crimes will be changed from 5 years to 10 years under legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that was signed into law today.

“Some seniors may not realize they are victims of financial crimes until after the statute of limitations has expired,” Fine said. “This legislation will give seniors and other victims of these types of crimes ample time to seek justice.”

Under House Bill 2287, the following crimes will have the statute of limitations raised to 10 years:

- Theft of property exceeding $100,000 in value;
- Identity theft;
- Aggravated identity theft;
- Financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability

The legislation takes effect immediately.