SPRINGFIELD – Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Chair Laura Fine held a joint subject matter hearing with State Representative Lindsey LaPointe Monday to discuss funding for addiction resources and treatments.

“As health care needs continue to evolve, it is crucial that we reflect on responsible investments to address equitable access of such care,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Hearing from subject matter experts and medical providers on the impact of their services allows us to make informed plans for future investments.”

Teams of panelists shared about current health care accessibility needs across the state, and how meaningful funding could expand treatments and resources to a variety of communities. Representatives of several addiction treatment providers, including Jeremy Klamanski from the Gateway Foundation and Executive Director of the Chicago Recovery Alliance John Werning, addressed the committee, focusing their testimony on increasing funding for harm reduction supplies and access to quality care.

CHICAGO – State Senator Laura Fine secured a total of $118,000 in library and literacy grants for the Howard Area Community Center and Evanston Public Library.

“This funding invests in our youth and provides the community who utilize libraries and local community centers with necessary resources” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The services, tools, and expanded accessibility facilitated by these investments is critical to the success of our children, their families and our communities as a whole.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including more than $366,000 for the Youth Job Center in Evanston.

“The JTED program is a reflection of the plans we have to support underrepresented and unemployed individuals in the workforce so all Illinoisans have access to the tools they need to succeed in their professional and personal lives,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “I am pleased to see funding benefit the Youth Job Center in my district, and I look forward to expanding workforce possibilities for all.”

This is the second round of funding from the JTED program, awarding over $15 million to 33 organizations across Illinois. The Job Training and Economic Development program provides workforce training and wraparound services to help bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. Funds from this program aim to address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented who have one or more barriers to employment that are identified as risk factors.

GLENVIEW – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, aimed at addressing critical gaps in Illinois' health insurance, has been signed into law by the governor. The new law guarantees individuals with major jaw injuries including those caused by cancer, access to essential medical treatments without the fear of insurance denials.

“This law closes a major loophole for patients requiring necessary medical treatments for a life-threatening disease. It ensures that in a time of crisis, no one has to experience financial roadblocks to receiving medical care,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This new law is a common sense solution resulting from the collaboration between the Illinois State Dental Society and the Insurance industry.  As a result, cancer patients requiring jaw surgery will have coverage for the care they need.”

The legislation started when an Illinois resident undergoing treatment for Jaw cancer required extensive reconstructive surgery and dental implants to restore basic functions like eating and speaking. However, when this patient turned to their insurance provider for help, they were met with denial. The insurance company labeled the dental implants as "cosmetic," refusing to cover the cost, despite the critical and obvious role these implants played in the patient's recovery.