SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus stand together to denounce the rise of antisemitism after the Anti-Defamation League reported a historically high level of anti-Semitic incidents in 2021, including a 15% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois from 2020 to 2021.

“The rise in antisemitism in our state and around the world cannot be ignored,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “Anti-Semitic rhetoric, posted online or on fliers, can lead to dangerous actions. We must work together to stand up against hatred in our communities.”

The Anti-Defamation League is an anti-hate organization focused on anti-bias education, assessing the climate of antisemitism and bigotry, and fighting hate online. Their most recent report documented the highest number of recorded incidents against American Jews since the organization began gathering data in 1979.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, a total of 175 anti-Semitic incidents took place in the Midwest this past year, with 53 incidents in Illinois. These incidents included harassment, vandalism, and assault, and have risen exponentially in the last two years.

“The increase of anti-Semitic attacks is alarming,” said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Standing in solidarity with the Jewish community is a first step, but people must be upstanders, not bystanders and speak out against antisemitism."

The report also follows anti-Semitic incidents in the district Fine represents. Anonymous flyers depicting Jewish politicians—including Senator Fine and Governor JB Pritzker—with anti-Semitic language were distributed to homes in Park Ridge, Glenview, and Niles.

“Anti-Semitic attacks are increasing not only around the world but also in our backyards,” Representative Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) said. “It is important that we strongly condemn the spread of hate to keep our communities safe and welcoming for people of all faith backgrounds.”

To read the full report from the Anti-Defamation League, click here.

SPRINGFIELD –This year’s Illinois state budget makes mental health a priority. State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) was pleased to support the Fiscal Year 23 budget, which invests in mental health care across the state, including funding for the 9-8-8 suicide hotline.

“The pandemic has amplified a mental health crisis across every age group and demographic in Illinois,” Senator Fine said. “We need to ensure our friends and loved ones have access to the care they need.”

The budget will put $5 million in funding for the 9-8-8 mental health hotline. The hotline will provide crucial support services to individuals in crisis. Senator Fine’s initiative created a fund to maintain the hotline in Illinois, which will be operational in July. The fund will help ensure financial assistance is available to hire caseworkers, operators, and provide training to ensure the hotline is a high-quality resource for all Illinoisians.

The budget also invests $50 million in addiction treatment, supporting people recovering from behavioral and mental health issues across the state.

“In the past two years, the number of people across the state with mental or behavioral health issues has risen exponentially,” Senator Fine said. “It is more important than ever that we make mental health care more accessible. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I am glad our budget reflects that by increasing access to and investing in this necessary care.”

If signed by the governor, the FY 23 budget will take effect July 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD –In an effort to keep unused prescription drugs out of the hands of our children and our drinking water, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), passed legislation through the Senate that will provide Illinois residents a convenient way to safely dispose of unused medications. Under this law, championed by Representative Jennifer Gong Gershowitz (D-Glenview) in the House, pharmaceutical companies will be required to establish a drug take-back program statewide.

“Studies show millions of Americans get their water from sources contaminated by improperly disposed of medications,” Senator Fine said. “In addition, many people become addicted to opioids found sitting in their or their family’s medicine cabinets. Establishing a drug take-back program gives us a way to prevent access to those addictive medications.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs there is no statewide system in place that safely collects and disposes of medications, leaving some counties without a safe and secure way to dispose of substances.

Because of this, many unused medicines are still frequently flushed down the toilet or in the sink, causing harmful chemicals to end up in lakes, rivers, and groundwater, which can harm the ecosystem.

“Without a drug take-back program, we risk more people abusing substances that have been discarded,” Senator Fine said. “This legislation will ensure medications are disposed of safely and securely, which will protect unused medications from negatively impacting people in our community and our environment.”

House Bill 1780 passed the Senate on Thursday. It now awaits one more vote in the House before going to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is working to ensure children suffering from cleft lip and palate abnormalities have access to the health care coverage they need to prevent complications as they grow.

“Children and their families should not have to face expensive out-of-pocket costs to get necessary treatment for a child’s cleft lip abnormality,” Senator Fine said. “I am glad we are advancing this bill so that this health care treatment will be more accessible for our children.”

House Bill 4349 would require state-regulated health insurance policies to cover all medically necessary care and treatment of cleft lip and palate abnormalities for children under the age of 19. Cleft lip and cleft palate abnormalities can have significant impacts on the health and wellbeing of children, such as interfering with their ability to breathe, speak or eat in a normal manner. However, treatments for these abnormalities are sometimes considered cosmetic and are denied coverage by many insurance companies. This leaves many children without access to the health care they need to fix these abnormalities.

“Cleft lip and palate abnormalities may seriously impact a child’s quality of life, and can lead to significant health issues later in life if left untreated,” Senator Fine said. “Prompt treatment is imperative, and this bill will ensure children and their families will not have to worry about delayed or denied procedures, but get this treatment under their insurance plan when their doctor recommends it.”

House Bill 4349 passed the Senate on Wednesday and heads to the governor’s desk before becoming law.