Hurley to Prioritize Health Care, Services for Most Vulnerable as Chair of Human Services Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, will serve as chair of the Illinois House Human Services Committee, a position from which she looks to build on past legislative efforts to protect access to health care, and speak for Illinois’ most vulnerable residents.

“Seniors, children with disabilities and our other most vulnerable residents were those most directly affected by the budget crisis, and now we have an obligation to rebuild the services they depend on,” said Hurley. “We have a responsibility to protect those whose daily needs are not being met, and to work together to improve the delivery of care and services to these populations. I look forward to working with the members of my committee to accomplish these goals.”

Hurley’s seat as chair positions her to continue advocating for the needs of disabled individuals and survivors of domestic violence and stalking. Recently, Hurley worked to pass Senate Bill 2265, which instituted a new procedure to alert emergency professionals of missing persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. Hurley was also the chief House sponsor of Senate Bill 2330 to allow survivors of violent criminal conduct to legally change their name without leaving a paper trail that can be followed by an abuser.

Having recently passed a new law requiring insurance companies to cover individuals with pre-existing conditions, as chair Hurley will also prioritize access to quality health care, including access to mental health and suicide prevention services for first responders.

“Our work to promote human dignity is far from over in Illinois,” said Hurley. “As chair of the Human Services Committee, I will advocate for better access to health and human services to help foster safety and economic independence for all families.”