AURORA – An additional $4.5 million has been provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Batavia’s ongoing lead water line replacement program, State Senator Linda Holmes announced Friday. The city will replace approximately 150 lead service lines in this second phase of lead service line replacement.

“Safe drinking water is necessary for the health and safety of every member of the community,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Lead contamination poses serious health risks, particularly for children. This funding represents a considerable investment in clean, safe drinking water for all residents and protecting this essential resource for future generations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ work to include insurance coverage for those going through menopause symptoms whether the onset was natural or surgical has been signed into law, providing relief to those suffering the effects of dropping hormone levels.

 “Hormonal changes can bring on complications that affect our overall health and well-being; bone density and cardiovascular risks are significant if those hormones are supplemented,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Menopause therapies are prescribed regardless of the onset reason, and they will now be covered either way.”

Menopause occurs when an individual’s estrogen and progesterone hormone levels start to fall. If it begins naturally, symptoms show up over time; if it is a result of surgery, those effects start and advance quickly after the procedure.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ legislation to require insurers to cover care for mental and emotional recovery for those suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth has been signed into law today.

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

The Illinois Insurance Code currently requires coverage for mental, emotional, nervous or substance use treatments as they are under the federal Affordable Care Act. This statute will explicitly add coverage for miscarriage or stillbirth in addition to the benefits already required by federal law.

AURORA – Building on the Illinois Department of Transportations’ Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, State Senator Linda Holmes is pleased to announce infrastructure investments of $61 million in road and rail crossing improvement projects in the 42^nd District. The 13 projects in the plan for Fiscal Year 2025 include sites needing attention throughout the district.

“Each year, the rolling Rebuild Illinois investments improve our aging infrastructure, as well as access to jobs and opportunities in our area,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Kane and Kendall counties are booming; investing in infrastructure expands our capacity for families, businesses and freight logistics. It also improves accessibility and safety, and creates a number of good-paying jobs.”