SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes is aware of problems those in health insurance programs experience when their insurers’ networks are understaffed. Her legislation to correct this deficiency – Senate Bill 2641 – was signed into law Friday. The law will require insurers to demonstrate whether they have enough physicians and specialists at each hospital as preferred providers in a network plan.

“Many of us have experienced the anxiety of having to wait weeks or months to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for a health concern,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “I believe it is a reasonable expectation of people with health insurance to get the care and urgency their condition calls for; those in smaller communities may worry about their condition worsening as they wait for that care, simply because the network is understaffed.”

AURORA – In 2023, State Senator Linda Holmes collaborated with State Senator Julie Morrison to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones for public safety. This year, they cosponsored Senate Bill 2849 to give local governments authority to set reasonable rules for the airspace over public spaces; the measure is now law.

“Drones have the potential to aid our communities in many ways, and this is an example of giving local governments a say in when and where their use is appropriate,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “For children engaged in a sporting event, the buzzing of a drone may distract players and supporters on the field. This law can prevent the disruption.”

Local parks, playgrounds, aquatic facilities, wildlife areas, sports fields or other recreational facilities will be off-limits to private drone operators.

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.