SPRINGFIELD –Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes – alongside family members and advocates of terminally ill adults – outlined their support of legislation to provide terminally ill patients with end-of-life options during a subcommittee Wednesday.

“We are working to take a compassionate step forward to honor the fundamental human right to determine one’s own end-of-life journey with autonomy and peace,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “People deserve the dignity to make their own deeply personal choices – and to do so surrounded by their loved ones while free from unnecessary suffering.”

Terminally ill woman, mom whose son died after using law in CA, community members testify about legislation

CHICAGO – Family members and advocates of terminally ill adults who support access to medical aid in dying gathered Friday alongside Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes to present her End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients legislation to the Senate Executive Committee.

Holmes has been collaborating on the legislation since early 2024 with the Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition, which includes Compassion & Choices Action Network Illinois, Illinois Now, ACLU Illinois, doctors, clergy and family members. They were joined by individuals with firsthand experience as patients or relatives of terminally ill adults to express their support.

“This can be an emotional issue, and many fallacies circle around medical aid in dying; I encourage those with misgivings to read the legislation in full to see its criteria and the safeguards that would protect patients, medical professionals and relatives,” Holmes (D-Aurora), chief sponsor of the bill, said.

Opponents include advocates for people with disabilities, who fear they could be exploited or scammed. In Oregon, the first state to enact medical aid in dying, there have been no substantiated cases of abuse or coercion since it took effect in 1997, according to the ACLU.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) joined her colleagues Wednesday to hear Governor JB Pritzker introduce his Fiscal 2026 budget proposal to the General Assembly, and released the following statement in response:

“Over the past few years, we’ve built a secure fiscal position for Illinois: We paid down debts, earned nine credit rating upgrades, paid our full annual pension obligations, paid off the unemployment insurance trust fund debt, established a rainy day fund, and invested in substantial infrastructure improvements to make us safer in our travels.

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My favorite season has arrived! The chilly air has swept away fallen leaves and snow time is officially here. This brings opportunities to relax with hot chocolate among friends, family and cozy four-legged companions, or get outdoors for a hike, sled ride or ice skating. I love decorating for the holidays, and I'm looking forward to our 104th legislative session beginning in early January.

It is always a great time to give back to our community. There are many organizations who provide help and resources  to families in need - those experiencing food insecurity, or needing coats, hats, gloves, boots, toys, and shelter.

If you are interested, I encourage you to reach out to a service organization and learn how you might share your holiday spirit with some of your time, or any gently used or new clothing or home goods.

 I hope this year's celebrations find you all safe, happy and healthy. May your time spent with loved ones and friends be a blessing and help you ring in a bright 2025.

In observance of the holidays, my office will be closed from Dec. 23 – Jan. 1.
My staff will return to the office on Jan. 2 ready to assist with anything you may need.