Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine is highlighting key investments in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget that will strengthen public education, expand access to health care, support local governments, and create greater opportunities for students and families across Illinois.

“Strong schools, accessible health care, and vibrant local communities are the foundation of a thriving Illinois,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “This budget makes meaningful, targeted investments in each of these areas while maintaining our commitment to fiscal responsibility and long‑term stability.”

The FY27 budget continues Illinois’ commitment to the evidence‑based funding model for K–12 schools - a critical tool to ensure every student has access to a high‑quality education regardless of ZIP code. This helps districts meet student needs, reduce inequities, and ease the burden on local taxpayers.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine is urging Illinois public safety agencies and community partners to take stronger, more coordinated action to address impaired driving, extreme reckless driving, dangerous social‑media‑driven stunts, and the deadly practice known as “ghosting.”

“The loss of life caused by reckless and impaired driving is not just tragic — it is shattering,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “Behind every statistic is a family whose world has been changed forever. This resolution is a call to confront the most dangerous driving behaviors with the seriousness they demand, and to do everything in our power to prevent another family from experiencing this kind of heartbreak.”

Senate Resolution 816 urges the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Secretary of State, Illinois State Police, local law enforcement, prosecutors, traffic safety organizations and other public safety stakeholders to examine ways to strengthen Illinois’ response to the most extreme and life‑threatening driving conduct. The resolution encourages continued consideration of legislative and policy reforms related to excessive speeding, driving on shoulders or other prohibited areas, operating a vehicle without headlights at night, recording or promoting dangerous driving on social media, and impaired driving that results in catastrophic injury or loss of life.

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the essential role genetic counselors play in modern health care, State Senator Laura Fine has advanced a resolution designating Nov. 12, 2026 as Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day in Illinois.

“Genetic counselors help families understand their health risks and make informed decisions,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Their expertise, compassion and guidance are invaluable to patients navigating complex medical information.”

Senate Resolution 649, brought forward by the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals, honors the work of genetic counselors across the state. These highly trained health care professionals assess family histories to identify conditions, explain genetic testing options and provide emotional support as patients consider their health choices. Illinois is home to more than 150 certified counselors, with over 5,000 practicing nationwide – yet their contributions go unrecognized.

SPRINGFIELD – To make it easier for parents and caregivers to understand exactly what’s in the diapers they use every day, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation that clarifies the ingredients in both disposable and reusable diapers.

“Parents and caregivers shouldn’t have to guess what’s in the products their children wear every day,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This bill ensures transparency, protects those with allergies and gives families the information they need to make safe choices.”

House Bill 4702 comes in response to concerns from new parents, constituents and individuals who experience allergic reactions to fragrances and other chemicals in diapers. While federal rules protect adults using medical-device-classified diapers, infant and children’s diapers currently lack the same ingredient transparency, leaving families without critical information.