Holmes announces $600,000 grant for Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve development

• Kane County Forest Preserve
• OSLAD Grant
• Wildlife Observation Overlook
• Muirhead Springs
• Whooping Cranes

AURORA — The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will receive a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help fund a project at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve in Hampshire, thanks to strong support from State Senator Linda Holmes.

“This funding will bring a wildlife observation overlook at Muirhead Springs in Hampshire,” said Holmes (D–Aurora). “This elevated, ADA-accessible platform will give visitors of all ages and abilities the opportunity to see shorebirds and other wildlife frequenting the preserve, as well as existing acres of restored prairie, wetlands and open water restored in the past.”

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is one of 67 Illinois communities receiving this grant of $600,000, the maximum award for the OSLAD grants. The project, estimated to cost $2,001,400, will include an area for education, interpretive signage, a trail and small shelter.

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New North Aurora water tower construction advancing with state funding secured by Holmes, Hanson

• North Aurora
• New Water Tower Funding

NORTH AURORA,Ill. – Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes and State Rep. Matt Hanson recently visited the construction site of a new water tower in North Aurora, a project they worked to include in the state's 2026 budget to ensure accessible drinking water for residents and businesses.

“Infrastructure funding includes public utilities, and a project like this will ensure our communities have dependable facilities with the capacity to serve our area’s growing population,” said Holmes. “Working for the necessary funds to increase storage and provide reliable access to clean and plentiful water for current and future residents.”

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Holmes’ law secures insurance coverage for menopause relief treatment starting Jan. 1

• Health Insurance Coverage
• HB5295
• Menopause Treatment

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure equitable access to treatment, State Senator Linda Holmes led a new law requiring insurance to cover treatments and therapies for menopause symptoms – whether the onset was natural or surgical – effective Jan. 1, 2026.

“Hormonal changes can bring on complications that affect our overall health and well-being; genetics, lifestyle and underlying conditions put,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Working with their doctor to find beneficial menopause therapies for themselves – hormone supplements or other approaches - patients should expect insurance coverage regardless of the onset reason. They will now be covered equally.”

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Holmes’ law ensures equitable mental health care coverage to support healing after miscarriage or stillbirth

• Health Insurance Coverage
• Miscarriage or Stillbirth

SPRINGFIELD –Expectant parents may begin to plan and prepare for their future when they learn they are pregnant. Sadly, some pregnancies end abruptly in stillbirth or miscarriage. The unimaginable loss can bring long-lasting trauma; inconsistent insurance coverage for professional mental health care can make treatment unaffordable. Care is inaccessible, and the suffering magnifies. To assist Illinois families in this situation, State Senator Linda Holmes’ law requires insurers to cover care for mental and emotional recovery for those suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth takes effect Jan. 1.

“Those who have faced the loss of an infant may cope with the trauma for the rest of their lives; it is often an overpowering shock,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This unaddressed pain can trigger isolation, anxiety, stress and depression, and may lead to substance abuse.”

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