SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed into law Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) legislation to expand workers’ compensation for firefighters and EMTs to cover MRSA infection that poses a particularly high risk to first responders.

House Bill 3662 amends the Workers’ Compensation Act. It presumes that these professionals would be exposed to MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in the course of their employment.

“The job of a firefighter or EMT includes administering up-close care to people who may be MRSA carriers or infected with MRSA,” Holmes said. “This puts first responders at increased risk for MRSA contamination—it’s common sense that a MRSA infection should be covered under workers’ compensation policies.”

Aurora, Ill. - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) will host the second in a series of panel discussions with a variety of women who serve in leadership positions dubbed “Women Who Lead.”

The second panel discussion will be held via Facebook Live on @SenatorLindaHolmes. Panelists will discuss how women can grow within an organization, thrive in a male-dominated field and balance their personal and professional lives. It will include these inspiring leaders in a conversation on the challenges and successes of leading as a woman:

• Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza
• State Senator Rachelle Crowe, 56^th District
• State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, 24^th District

“I’m particularly excited to welcome Comptroller Mendoza along with my two Senate colleagues, and encourage everyone to tune in. This will be my Facebook page, @SenatorLindaHolmes, on August 24 at 5:00 pm,” Holmes said. “I know these Women who Lead panelists will provide a lot of insight about their experiences serving in leadership roles at the level of state government.”

Media are welcome to watch as well.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) legislation to allow pregnant women to use a disabilities vehicle placard or sticker in their third trimester was signed into law by the governor Friday.

Holmes was motivated to sponsor the legislation, originally introduced by Representative Keith Wheeler (R-North Aurora) in the House, after hearing the story of Wheeler’s district office director Ben Marcum and his family, who inspired the measure.

“This family suffered a devastating loss that may have been avoided if this accommodation for expectant mothers had been in place two years ago,” Holmes said. “This can prevent future heartbreak if an expectant mother in her third trimester can get temporary disability parking access.”

SPRINGFIELD – Health insurance companies use prior authorization on patients’ proposed treatments, meant to ensure they are medically necessary. However it often forces patients to wait too long for needed and appropriate treatments. House Bill 711, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to ensure more timely approval, was signed into law by the governor on Thursday.

“It can be stressful for people requiring medical treatment, supplies and services to wait on approval for medical treatment, and these delays must end,” Holmes said. “For those with chronic or life-threatening conditions, it can be an ongoing battle for however long the treatment continues.”