SPRINGFIELD – To ensure Illinois maintains consistent oversight of dangerous chemical contamination regardless of shifting federal policies, State Senator Laura Fine is advancing legislation to strengthen the state’s ability to track and understand PFAS—commonly known as “forever chemicals”—in the environment.

“PFAS contamination is not just a future problem – it’s affecting communities today,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “This measure ensures we have the tools to track these chemicals and take meaningful action to protect public health and the environment.”

PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are a class of roughly 5,000 human‑made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s for their resistance to oil and water. Those same properties cause them to persist in the environment, contributing to contamination in air, soil, and water.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure patients can consistently access the medicines they depend on, State Senator Laura Fine is leading legislation to safeguard insurance coverage for topical eye medications.

“Patients shouldn’t have to choose between following their doctor’s instructions and fighting their insurance company for a refill,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure ensures that people who rely on eye drops for conditions like glaucoma can maintain their treatment uninterrupted. Vision is too important to be delayed by insurance red tape.”

Senate Bill 2921 aims to address health insurance coverage for topical eye medication, such as eye drops for those suffering from glaucoma – a disease that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness if left untreated. For this reason, the bill – also known as the Topical Eye Medication Prescription Act – would require coverage of eye medication to be included in any policy of accident and health insurance for public employees and individuals receiving pubic aid.

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) issued the following statement on the passing of Illinois Holocaust Museum President Emeritus Samuel Harris:

“I am heartbroken by the passing of Samuel Harris, a truly extraordinary man whose life and legacy have left an incredible mark on our community.

“Sam was not only a Holocaust survivor, but a teacher, a mentor and a friend to so many of us across the North Shore. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him and to have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to educating others and standing up to hate. Every time Sam shared his story, he reminded us of both the fragility of humanity and the strength of the human spirit.

GLENVIEW –Standing with Jewish communities and condemning the rise of antisemitism in the U.S., State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement:

“An attack on the Jewish community is an attack on all of us and the values we share as Americans. Condemning antisemitism must go beyond words. It means educating future generations, supporting community and national security efforts and ensuring that law enforcement has the resources needed to prevent and respond to hate crimes.  

 “We must stand together against antisemitism and all forms of hate. In Illinois, we have invested more than $50 million in nonprofit security grants to help protect our religious institutions and community centers, providing critical support for security upgrades, training, and preparedness. I will continue working to ensure that every house of worship and every community has the resources needed to keep their families safe.”