SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate passed a measure today to cap the cost of insulin for people with diabetes. State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), voted in support of the legislation.

“People need this lifesaving medication and shouldn’t have to choose between food, rent and medicine,” Holmes said. “Capping this cost ensures patients won’t be put at risk by skipping or rationing their insulin because of the cost. We need to do more to stop the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs and this is a step in the right direction.”

Senate Bill 667 caps the out-of-pocket cost for insulin at $100 per month. It also directs the Office of the Attorney General to investigate the causes of the rising price of insulin and publish a report on their findings.

Having passed the Senate, the bill will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois took a critical step forward in investing in a better economic future this spring, and Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is being honored for the role she played to make it happen.

Sen. Holmes announced today she has received the Friend of Infrastructure Award from the Transportation for Illinois Coalition for supporting the state’s new $45 billion capital construction program.

“Every day, our constituents drive on roads filled with potholes, wait on broken down trains and in traffic, and wonder about bridges they’re traveling over that show cracks and signs of serious wear,” Holmes said. “I was proud to stand up for a stronger economy and a safer Illinois by voting to invest in our infrastructure, and I appreciate the recognition from the dedicated advocates in TFIC for supporting our future and moving Illinois forward.”

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SPRINGFIELD – A state commission overseeing charter school applications will be abolished under a new law sponsored State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). Gov. JB Pritzker has signed the measure that will keep those decisions in local hands.

Senate Bill 1226 would change the charter school application process to abolish the State Charter School Commission by July 1, 2020, and transfers most of its duties to the Illinois State Board of Education. Locally elected school boards and parents would decide if a charter school is good for their community.

Charter schools currently in the renewal process would be transferred to ISBE. The bill also provides that a local school board may not revoke or not renew a charter except for obvious justifying circumstances.

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SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) expanding insurance coverage for diagnostic mammograms has been signed into law by the governor.

Currently, insurance covers an initial screening mammogram without any co-pay or cost sharing. If dense breast tissue or an abnormality is detected, a doctor will want a second look with a more comprehensive ultrasound (diagnostic) mammogram, and a co-pay is applied. In Illinois, those co-pays can run from $600 to $700, which could discourage women from getting that screening.

“A diagnostic mammogram should be covered in the same manner as a routine screening mammogram,” Holmes said. “About 10 percent of initial mammogram results require a subsequent diagnostic mammogram, which can arguably be the most important test in the screening process. This new law can save lives.”

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