SPRINGFIELD – In response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address today, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) issued the following statement:

“I was heartened to hear Gov. Pritzker reaffirm his commitment to reforming our state’s juvenile justice system in his budget proposal.

“For too long, the incarceration of children has caused lasting harm to families and communities across the state. The lack of restorative justice alternatives available for these youths is a lost opportunity for progress and rehabilitation that has proven devastating for generations of Illinoisans.

“To begin the healing process, we must begin to reform the way our justice system treats juvenile offenders. A budget that invests in court diversion and restorative justice programs is the first step toward long-term recovery for our families, our neighborhoods and our state.

“I support a budget that provides much needed funding to our Department of Juvenile Justice and starts Illinois on the path toward a criminal justice system that gives our youths the chance to reach their full potential.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has begun accepting applications for the 2020 DCFS Scholarship Program, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced today.

“All kids deserve the opportunity to pursue their college dreams without having to worry about expenses, including those who are or have been in DCFS care,” said Fine. “This program could give a boost to the students who need this help the most.”

The DCFS Scholarship Program is open to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 years old and not yet 21 on March 31 may apply.

Through the program, 53 academic scholarships will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year. Four of these awards are reserved for the children of veterans.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their academic record, community and extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and a written statement. The scholarship covers up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and universities, a monthly grant of $537 to offset other expenses and a medical card.

“An education can open up so many new doors,” said Fine. “I hope to see lots of students take advantage of this important program.”

Applications are available at any DCFS regional office and on the DCFS website. Students or caregivers may call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 or 312-814-5959 with questions about the application process or for more information.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address today, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) issued the following statement:

“I was heartened to hear Gov. Pritzker reaffirm his commitment to making health care affordable and accessible for all Illinoisans in his State of the State address today.

“Outrageous medical costs place life-saving prescriptions, vital procedures and even routine checkups out of reach for many Illinoisans and their families. For too long, patients have been unable to afford the care they desperately need.

“Certainly, we’ve had some recent victories, but we can do so much more. It’s time to prioritize patient health over profits.

“In the coming weeks and months of legislative session, I am eager to join the governor and my fellow legislators to make this vision into a reality.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with diabetes will pay less for their prescription insulin, thanks to a new law co-sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that seeks to address soaring prescription drug costs.

“The cost of insulin has tripled in the past decade, and wages haven’t followed suit. Prescription drug companies shouldn’t be able to burden families with these sky-high costs,” said Fine, who was the measure’s chief co-sponsor in the Senate. “I’m thrilled to help provide some relief to Illinoisans with diabetes.”

For patients on state-regulated insurance plans, Public Act 101-625 caps the out-of-pocket cost of prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and 7.4 million Americans require prescription insulin every day to survive, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the price of insulin has risen sharply in recent years, driving many patients to sacrifice other daily needs to pay for insulin or to ration their supply.

The legislation makes Illinois the second state to cap prescription insulin co-payments.

“People with diabetes used to have to choose between paying their bills and paying for insulin,” said Fine. “We’re giving them a little more wiggle room and relieving some of that burden. Hopefully this helps people get their prescription without having to sacrifice other needs.”

Public Act 101-625 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2021.