SPRINGFIELD – Delays and denials for health care are a growing concern for patients across the country as insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers add barriers and even longer times to receive care. Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is sponsoring legislation with reforms to streamline this process and improve transparency.

“Extra paperwork and delays for treatment are a hassle and distraction to those of us seeking routine or emergent procedures and treatment, and to our health care providers as well,” Holmes said. “The Prior Authorization Reform Act will take down obstacles, get patients the care they need more quickly and save them money.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Pets are part of two out of three households in America, including 72 percent of renters. Restrictions in public housing can prevent a family from keeping a pet based on its size, weight or breed. That results in pets being surrendered to already-burdened animal shelters.

Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes is introducing Senate Bill 2973, which would allow any tenant living in housing acquired, constructed or rehabilitated with state funds for low-income housing to keep a pet dog or cat regardless of its size, weight, or breed.

“A leading reason pets end up surrendered to shelters is housing issues that force some pet owners into a position of choosing between keeping their pet or keeping a roof over their head,” Holmes said. “Pets are part of our families, regardless of the family’s income level.”

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is ready to get started on the new legislative session and was pleased to hear Gov. JB Pritzker describe his priorities for the year in his State of the State address to the General Assembly.

“I share his enthusiasm for taking on college affordability, healthcare, property tax and pension reform, and government consolidation,” Holmes said. “And we must continue to fight against the culture of corruption at the Capitol. We have to rebuild the public’s trust and I expect the governor and General Assembly to put together a strong ethics reform package this year.”

Holmes looks forward to her new role as Assistant Majority Leader with Senate President Don Harmon’s team.

“We have a diverse caucus with a wide range of priorities, representing a diverse state, and I feel confident we can work together to address those priorities,” Holmes said. “I’m working on a range of legislation for this session, from insurance reform to addressing affordable healthcare and pre-authorization practices, to helping farmers deal with problems controlling herbicides, to my continuing efforts in animal welfare. It’s going to be a busy and productive year.”

AURORA – Four local school districts will receive nearly $39,000 in grants through the Illinois secretary of state’s School Library Grant program, Senator Linda Holmes announced today.

The grants, which are issued by the Illinois State Library, are meant to help public schools offer more library books and materials to students.

“Libraries are fantastic resources for students to find content for research, audio and video materials, and books to boost their love of reading,” said Holmes, an Aurora Democrat. “This support will go a long way toward helping school libraries offer new and updated materials as children hone their reading skills and discover the thrill of picking up a great book.”

Schools receiving school library grants include:

• Aurora West CUSD #129 -- $8,601.75
• East Aurora CUSD #131 -- $9,595.50
• Indian Prairie CUSD # 204 – $19,908.75
• Illinois Math & Science Academy -- $750.00