Fine encouraged by budget address focus on environment, care for people with developmental disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual State of the State address on Wednesday, proposing budget allocations for FY24. After hearing his remarks, State Senator Laura Fine is highlighting the governor’s proposed investments in environmental protections and services for people with developmental disabilities.

“We need to do all we can to protect our environment. Pollutants are negatively impacting our air and water quality,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Investing in our environment’s protection and sustainability is vital to supporting Illinois’ future. This proposed budget sets a cleaner path for the protection of our children’s generation.”

The proposed budget allocates $580 million to the Department of Natural Resources to invest in environmental protections. It also allocates $870 million to the Environmental Protection Agency, $20 million of which would fund the Electric Vehicle rebate, to remove pollutants and encourage sustainable consumption to slow the progress of climate change.

Additionally, the proposed budget provides over $2 billion for services for people with developmental disabilities—a nearly $200 million increase to previous funding. This investment will support pay raises for direct service providers, increasing staffing at facilities, and more.

“As the chair of the Behavioral and Mental Health committee, improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents is a top priority. I am dedicated to investing in the facilities and programs in our state to reach that goal for both residents and staff,” Fine said. “Increasing staffing will ensure residents with developmental disabilities are getting the best care possible from providers in a healthy environment.”

Senator Fine looks forward to working with the governor and her colleagues in the General Assembly to negotiate the finalized budget.

Senator Fine sworn in for second term as State Senator

SPRINGFIELD – On Jan. 11, 2023, State Senator Laura Fine was honored to be sworn into her second term representing the 9^th District.

“It is the privilege of a lifetime to serve my community in the Illinois State Senate,” Fine (D-Glenview) said. “In this next term, I am excited to continue my work increasing mental health care access for people throughout the state.”

Senator Fine joined the Illinois Senate in 2018 after serving in the Illinois House of Representatives. As the chair of the Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, Fine has worked to increase access to mental health care for people across the state and incentivize more people to enter the mental health workforce. She has also focused on increasing affordable insurance coverage, protecting our environment, and supporting our seniors.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in this new General Assembly to address several issues impacting our state,” Fine said. “Together, we will work on legislation that will assist and uplift communities across Illinois.” 

Senator Fine represents Illinois’ 9^th District, which includes all or portions of Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Morton Grove, Glenview, Northbrook, Golf and Winnetka. All 59 state senators were sworn into office today to serve in Illinois’ 103^rd General Assembly.

Senator Fine supports investments in mental health services in supplemental state budget

SPRINGFIELD – The state of Illinois is investing in its mental health system.  State Senator Laura Fine, the Chair of the Behavioral and Mental Health committee, proudly supported the supplemental budget that increases vital funding for services.

“For many Illinoisians, access to high-quality mental health care makes a difference in their quality of life,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “This budget increase will grant providers with essential funding, which will enable them to care for more people facing struggles with mental well-being.”

The supplemental budget provides $25 million to state-operated mental health facilities run by the Department of Human Services. Public colleges and universities will also receive $19 million to support their mental health services, and mental health and substance use treatment providers will receive $12 million for stability payments.

Senator Fine believes these investments will be transformative for health care groups working to provide quality, accessible services to Illinoisians.

“With this critical investment in programs, the workforce and facilities, DHS will be able to provide services for more Illinois residents,” Fine said. “This will result in positive outcomes for so many people in need of quality, supportive mental health care.”

The supplemental budget, filed under House Bill 969, passed the Senate on January 10, 2023. It now goes to the House for further consideration.

Senator Fine law expands protections for people seeking reproductive health care, health care providers

SPRINGFIELD – After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, State Senator Laura Fine helped pass legislation to protect people who seek reproductive health care in Illinois.  House Bill 4664 passed the Senate making reproductive health care procedures and medicine more accessible and secure, while also increasing support of reproductive health care providers.

“The right to make choices about your body and your health is fundamental,” Senator Fine (D-Glenview) said. “It is disheartening that this right is no longer protected on a federal level. However, in Illinois, this legislation will further protect this right so that no one will be criminalized for seeking or performing reproductive health care.”

Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, House Bill 4664 would protect legal and practical access to abortion care in Illinois. With this legislation, people who use reproductive health care in Illinois would be protected from out-of-state subpoenas related to reproductive health care, and out-of-state patients would be eligible to file a counterclaim if a judgment is made against them in another state. Similarly, this bill would protect the licenses of health care professionals who are penalized for providing care that is illegal in another state but legal in Illinois. These protections shield people who utilize reproductive health care in Illinois, where the ability to use or refuse reproductive health care is a fundamental right.

Additionally, the Illinois Department of Public Health would provide grants to underserved areas and transportation hubs for reproductive health care training, ensuring these communities have access to safe and accessible care.

“Attacks on reproductive health care disproportionately impact our most marginalized communities,” Fine said. “Making reproductive health care more accessible will ensure individuals in these communities are able to make the best and safest decisions for their health.”

House Bill 4661 passed the Senate on January 10, 2023. It now goes to the House for further consideration.