SPRINGFIELD – During her time in public service, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has worked tirelessly as an environmental advocate, pushing for bold action against climate change. After casting her vote in support of Senate Bill 18, a comprehensive energy policy overhaul that puts Illinois on the path to 100% clean energy, Senator Fine released the following statement:

“As a staunch advocate for environmental policy that protects Illinoisans’ lives and livelihoods, I am proud to support legislation that sets Illinois on a path to a cleaner, carbon-free future by transitioning to clean electricity generation by 2050, protecting our planet and our children for decades to come.

“The groundbreaking reforms contained in this comprehensive clean energy plan—the largest investment in renewable energy in Illinois’ history—will fight climate change and put true environmental justice within reach for impacted communities across Illinois.”

GLENVIEW – Families across Cook County will soon be able to enjoy upgraded services at their local libraries thanks to more than $257,000 in grants, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Thursday.

“Our local libraries are an incredible resource for people of all ages, and I can’t wait to see the upgrades that come from this funding,” Senator Fine said. “Whether you’re working remotely, taking classes virtually or simply reading a book for pleasure, libraries can open the door to endless opportunities.”

The $257,000 received by six local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.

“I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois’ public libraries provide to all residents,” Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White said. “I truly believe libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and I am pleased to provide this increased funding to help them serve the public.”

The following libraries in the district Senator Fine represents will receive funds:
o Evanston Public Library, $109,866
o Glencoe Public Library, $12,866
o Glenview Public Library, $65,920
o Kenilworth Public Library District, $3,706
o Wilmette Public Library District, $39,953
o Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District, $25,601

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – To better support Illinois residents, a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will significantly increase access to medically necessary health care, giving people with mental health and substance use disorders the ability to access treatment sooner, get back on their feet and move forward with the support they need.

“Insurance companies should provide coverage for mental health treatment along the same guidelines as other types of medically necessary treatment,” Senator Fine said. “Breaking down barriers for those seeking mental health treatment by expanding insurance coverage is essential.”

Many patients seeking care for mental health conditions have found that their insurance companies refuse to cover their treatment because it has been deemed medically unnecessary according to a set of private and often complicated guidelines put in place by the insurer.

Senator Fine’s measure will require insurance carriers to consider mental health treatment medically necessary, in the same manner as substance use disorder treatment, to ensure individuals are not denied access to care. As many patients with substance use disorders also suffer from mental health conditions, this initiative will provide better transparency and consistency for those seeking both types of treatment.

House Bill 2595 was signed into law Wednesday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – Pregnant women will have more options on where to deliver under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that establishes a path to permanent licensure for freestanding birth centers.

“Expecting mothers should have the ability to choose their birth style without limitations caused by a lack of freestanding birth center licenses in their area,” Senator Fine said. “Whether a pregnant woman is seeking a certified nurse midwife or they simply want a lower-cost birthing style, lifting the licensure cap for freestanding birth centers will help increase access to birth centers across Illinois.”

Senator Fine’s legislation creates the Birth Center Licensing Act, lifting the current cap on the number of freestanding birth center licenses, so more women, especially those in marginalized communities, have access to the birthing style they prefer. Freestanding birth centers will still be regulated under the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act, and licenses will have to be renewed every year.

Freestanding birth centers are a lower-cost option for expectant mothers seeking a more homelike approach to childbirth who do not want a hospital setting. There are currently just two freestanding birth centers in Illinois that provide this style of care.

"All families should have the right to pick a birth plan that best fits their situation," said State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), who sponsored the bill in the House. "Making freestanding birth centers widely available as a low-cost alternative to hospitals will give expectant mothers the opportunity to choose an affordable option for where to have their child. I'm proud this legislation will help get new lives off to a fair start."

House Bill 3995 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.