Lilly Pledges to Fight for Health Care Access, Equitable Recovery in New Term

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, issued the following statement after being sworn in for a new term in the Illinois House of Representatives, Wednesday:

“I am grateful that the residents of the 78th District are giving me the opportunity to continue to serve them in Springfield. As we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, I will be fighting for expanded health care access and working to ensure an equitable recovery for all families. We must protect critical services for families, education funding and investments in job creation. We cannot return to a status quo that was not working for our most underserved communities.

“My top priority for this term is expanding affordable, quality health care access for communities across Illinois. As we’ve seen demonstrated by the pandemic, a health crisis quickly becomes an economic crisis and a social crisis. We must ensure the health of all of the people of Illinois by supporting COVID-19 testing in every neighborhood, contact tracing, and equitable distribution of vaccines along with vaccine education. We also must protect and expand health care services in underserved communities through community health clinics with culturally competent medical professionals.

“I will also work to expand mental health care services as we have seen how the effects of the pandemic and the vicarious trauma faced by African Americans over the course of last year has adversely impacted the lives of many residents within my district and Illinois.

“The emphasis on community reinvestment will continue to benefit our schools, small businesses and children. The need for innovative ways to engage the community even as we are still enacting responsible health protocols will expand the use of resources tailored for every member of the communities I represent.

“I am prepared to extend the hand of comradery to my fellow legislators as we must remain focussed on doing what is necessary to continue to build a stronger Illinois.”