Illinois State Senator Laura Fine

Senator Fine celebrates Unplug Illinois Day

Details: Category: Press Releases; Friday, May 19, 2023 09:14 PM

Sen. Laura Fine

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage Illinoisans to take care of their mental health and explore our state’s natural resources, State Senator Laura Fine is sponsoring a resolution declaring July 15 “Unplug Illinois Day.”

“It is so easy to get caught up in our phones and electronics that we forget to take time to take care of our mental health and connect with nature,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Having a day dedicated to unplugging from our devices will help us reconnect with our environment, our friends and ourselves.”

Unplug Illinois Day is a public service campaign by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to highlight the value of “unplugging,” or taking a break from electronic devices to enjoy the outdoors. It aims to bring awareness to the staggering amount of time people spend on their phones or computers, and the positive impact unplugging can have on people’s health.

Senator Fine to require insurance plans to cover annual mental health prevention and wellness visits

Details: Category: Press Releases; Friday, May 19, 2023 11:30 AM

Sen. Laura Fine

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine, chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, is leading a measure to ensure Illinoisans can have annual mental health wellness visits covered under their insurance at no additional cost.

“Just as people need yearly physical checkups to make sure their health is in order, people need annual checkups for their mental health,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Covering these annual visits will encourage people to seek necessary treatment for their mental health.”

House Bill 2847 would require health insurance plans under the Insurance Code, State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, and the School Code to cover annual mental health checkups and wellness visits starting in 2025. It also encourages the Illinois Department of Public Health to engage in an educational campaign to bring awareness to the public regarding mental health and wellness. These initiatives will continue to normalize prioritizing and treating mental health concerns, leading to greater well-being throughout the state.

Senator Fine bill to establish take-back program for ‘forever chemicals’

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, May 17, 2023 01:18 PM

Sen. Laura Fine

SPRINGFIELD – PFAs, also known as “forever chemicals”, are of great concern to the environment and people’s health. To prevent these chemicals from further contaminating our environment, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure that will establish a “take-back” program for existing firefighting foams that contain these hazardous substances.

In 2021, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 561, which ends the manufacture and sales of firefighting foam with PFAs by January 2025. To further protect from these chemicals, Fine sponsored House Bill 3508, which will establish a take-back program for firefighting foam that contains PFAS. This program will run for five years or until the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal finds that no more firefighting foam contains PFAS. This is an important step to protect our environment and our ecosystem.

“Research has shown that the PFAs in firefighting foam can seep into our water supply and cannot be removed in the water treatment process,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is vital to stop the ongoing use of products with PFAS to preserve our environment and prevent adverse health effects.”

Senator Fine’s measure improving 988 call center operations passes Senate

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, May 17, 2023 12:38 PM

Sen. Laura Fine

SPRINGFIELD – In order to make the 988 hotline as effective as possible for hotline operators and people experiencing a mental health crisis, State Senator Laura Fine is launching an initiative to review data from the first year of operations and recommend updates for the future.

“As the 988 hotline is the most accessible form of mental health care in Illinois, it is imperative that we are operating it in the most effective way to provide the best care for Illinoisans struggling with their mental health,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This study will provide more insight into where we can grow and adjust our operations to better serve people experiencing a mental health crisis.”

Last year, Illinois launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health hotline, offering 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing a mental health-related crisis. The hotline has been beneficial to many Illinoisans, and this study will ensure we continue to improve the 988 system.

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It is my honor to represent you in Springfield.

Sincerely,

Laura Fine Signaure