NW Illinois News

The month of July brought new changes to state laws. The State of Illinois faces many challenges, which residents frequently hear about in the news. Some of these issues have made life more expensive, harder to do business, and are slowly eroding local control. However, there is optimism and hope that by working together, positive changes can still be made for the residents of the state.

For every piece of legislation voted on in the Illinois House, consideration is given to its impact on the 89th District, which includes all of Carroll and Jo Daviess counties, as well as parts of Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and DeKalb counties. Four new laws have been highlighted that create better opportunities for senior citizens on Medicare or Medicaid, veterans who have devoted their lives to serve and protect, educators shaping future generations, and more.

HB612 expands homeowner’s exemptions for disabled veterans and includes all who served in WWII.

SB3476 lowers the cost of Meals on Wheels and similar programs to ensure more seniors suffering from hunger and isolation can receive program benefits.

SB463 works to alleviate the teacher shortage by helping bridge the gap in education licenses to create new opportunities and push education forward.

SB3414 lowers costs and barriers to access for diabetics by requiring private insurance to cover continuous glucose monitors without cost-sharing and prohibits prior authorization for these lifesaving devices.

While these are just four out of hundreds of bills passed this legislative session, they provide a glimpse at the positive steps forward taken to help improve the lives of residents. The work will continue. Ideas for legislation can be shared at mccombie@ilhousegop.org.