Check Out the Bills I’m Championing This Session 💡
The legislative session is in full swing! And for a variety of reasons, it's a shorter session than usual — we're scheduled to adjourn April 8, instead of May 31 as we usually do.
So I'll be trying to move an ambitious legislative agenda in a short window of time. I wanted to fill you in on some of the projects I'll be working on:
Insulin affordability. As you know, I've been working on lowering prescription drug prices for years. We made some headway with a copay cap on insulin costs a few years ago, but that only applied to people with certain types of insurance. This year we're going to work to make insulin affordable for everyone. More information about that bill soon!
Affordable housing. As chair of the Housing Committee, I've conducted many hours of hearings on how best to use COVID-19 relief dollars from the federal government to support housing for all. We'll be advancing an ambitious plan in that area, and also working on sealing eviction filings so that those who face eviction during the pandemic don't suffer long-term hardships.
Protecting our pollinators. Another issue I've been working on for years, but I'm optimistic we'll get something passed this year. We're trying to restrict the use on state lands of neonicotinoid pesticides, which are believed to be contributing to massive die-offs of bees and other vital pollinators.
Student journalist rights. Five years ago, I passed the Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act, which made sure that school newspapers couldn't be unfairly censored just because the administration didn't like what they wrote. I want to strengthen that law to make sure that student press advisers can't be punished for what their students write either. Threats to advisers have been a backdoor way for principals to censor content, and we shouldn't allow it.
I'll also be working on a wide range of other legislation, dealing with subjects from workplace gender violence prevention to public banking, reducing opioid deaths, and charter school labor rights.
It'll be an exciting couple of months in Springfield! I'll keep you posted here, and don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.
Take care,
Will
SHARE YOUR LEGISLATIVE FEEDBACK
Do you have questions about a bill I'm sponsoring? Curious to learn more about a particular issue? Are there areas I should be focusing on to best support you and your family?
I want to hear from you! Use the buttons below to explore the bills I'm championing and share your thoughts, questions, and feedback as we work our way through the legislative session.
FREE TAX PREP
UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE
The LIHEAP Utility Bill Assistance Program is accepting applications!
If you need help paying your utility bills click here to contact CEDA and begin an application. You can also call CEDA at (312)782-2332.
WARMING CENTERS
As temperatures continue to drop this winter, please help us share information on Chicago's city-wide warming centers with folks in our community. Click here to learn more.