Fine encourages youth in care to apply for DCFS Scholarship Program

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has begun accepting applications for the 2020 DCFS Scholarship Program, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced today.

“All kids deserve the opportunity to pursue their college dreams without having to worry about expenses, including those who are or have been in DCFS care,” said Fine. “This program could give a boost to the students who need this help the most.”

The DCFS Scholarship Program is open to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 years old and not yet 21 on March 31 may apply.

Through the program, 53 academic scholarships will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year. Four of these awards are reserved for the children of veterans.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their academic record, community and extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and a written statement. The scholarship covers up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and universities, a monthly grant of $537 to offset other expenses and a medical card.

“An education can open up so many new doors,” said Fine. “I hope to see lots of students take advantage of this important program.”

Applications are available at any DCFS regional office and on the DCFS website. Students or caregivers may call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 or 312-814-5959 with questions about the application process or for more information.

Senator Fine stands with governor to push for affordable health care

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address today, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) issued the following statement:

“I was heartened to hear Gov. Pritzker reaffirm his commitment to making health care affordable and accessible for all Illinoisans in his State of the State address today.

“Outrageous medical costs place life-saving prescriptions, vital procedures and even routine checkups out of reach for many Illinoisans and their families. For too long, patients have been unable to afford the care they desperately need.

“Certainly, we’ve had some recent victories, but we can do so much more. It’s time to prioritize patient health over profits.

“In the coming weeks and months of legislative session, I am eager to join the governor and my fellow legislators to make this vision into a reality.”

Senator Fine named IAPD Legislator of the Year

GLENVIEW – The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) awarded its Legislator of the Year Award to State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) at its annual conference today.

"It is such an honor to receive this award from an organization whose goal is to improve the quality of lives in our communities," said Fine. "I am grateful our communities have so much to offer to improve our lifestyles and contribute to our health and well-being."

The IAPD is a nonprofit service, research and education organization that has served park districts, forest preserves, conservation, municipal park and recreation, and special recreation agencies since 1928. The association seeks to provide outstanding park and recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all Illinoisans.

Every year, the IAPD recognizes a legislator for their efforts to support and expand parks and recreation opportunities in Illinois. During her time in state government, Fine has supported numerous measures to advance environmental justice across the state, including establishing the Offshore Wind Energy Economic Development Policy Task Force and declaring Sept. 7, 2019, as Great Lakes Appreciation Day.

"It is always a privilege working with the Illinois Association of Park Districts. A healthy lifestyle is a happy lifestyle, and all you do nourishes the betterment of our communities," said Fine. "Thank you for this amazing honor."

Cap on rising insulin costs could save families from bankruptcy

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with diabetes will pay less for their prescription insulin, thanks to a new law co-sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that seeks to address soaring prescription drug costs.

“The cost of insulin has tripled in the past decade, and wages haven’t followed suit. Prescription drug companies shouldn’t be able to burden families with these sky-high costs,” said Fine, who was the measure’s chief co-sponsor in the Senate. “I’m thrilled to help provide some relief to Illinoisans with diabetes.”

For patients on state-regulated insurance plans, Public Act 101-625 caps the out-of-pocket cost of 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 makes Illinois the second state to cap prescription insulin co-payments.

“People with diabetes used to have to choose between paying their bills and paying for insulin,” said Fine. “We’re giving them a little more wiggle room and relieving some of that burden. Hopefully this helps people get their prescription without having to sacrifice other needs.”

Public Act 101-625 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2021.