GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine announced five Cook County libraries are set to receive a combined total of $259,000 for library services and programming.

“Our local libraries offer valuable resources for all ages, including educational and research materials, community spaces, and free internet access,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “I am proud of the services Illinois’ public libraries provide to all residents. These continued investments will open doors to endless opportunities.”

Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures.

SPRINGFIELD – To further increase access to mental health treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law extending the existing prior authorization ban to cover medically necessary outpatient mental health services.

“Mental health care needs are equivalent to physical health care needs,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This law breaks down barriers to access so patients can receive the help they need in a timely manner.” 

Last year, the Healthcare Protection Act was signed into law, making health care more accessible and affordable for Illinoisans. The law banned step therapy requirements, prohibited prior authorization for inpatient mental health care at hospitals, banned junk insurance plans, and ended unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies.

SPRINGFIELD – To support victims and witnesses of workplace harassment and discrimination, State Senator Laura Fine championed a measure to clarify unlawful labor practices.

“Bolstering the Illinois workforce and attracting new employees can only happen when workers have a fair work environment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “In the event of harassment or discrimination against an employee, the victim and potential witnesses deserve to feel safe and taken seriously when reporting the issue.”

Current law provides essential protections by barring employers from requiring their workers to maintain confidentiality agreements regarding employment discrimination. Building on these efforts, Fine’s measure would include crucial safeguards for victims of harassment in the workplace by prohibiting employers from imposing unlawful restrictions on their employees through workplace confidentiality agreements.

SPRINGFIELD – In strengthening the state’s carbon capture and sequestration practices, State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure to enforce and enhance further protections for property owners.

“Ensuring our environment and landowners are protected is a significant step forward in the growing carbon capture industry,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “As Illinois continues to lead the nation in sustainable solutions to combat pollution, we must have the strongest protections in place and safeguard the rights of landowners.”

Expanding on Senator Fine’s 2024 law that set environmental safety requirements at each stage of the carbon capture process, this legislation would enhance protections for property owners. The measure allows for recovery of attorney fees if a sequestration site landowner prevails in a lawsuit for damages to surface property. Additionally, the measure sets forth compensation provisions for owners of land above the underground pore space that is used to store carbon.