Conroy: Common Sense Budgeting Can Spring a New Day in Springfield under Fresh Leadership in a Post Pandemic Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, issued the following statement upon the General Assembly’s adjournment this week:

“The Spring legislative session was unlike any I have experienced to date. An unprecedented pandemic offered several challenges for myself and my colleagues to overcome. Together, we elected a new Speaker of the House to lead us into the new decade so we can meet the moment that this pandemic has ushered in.

“The 2021 legislative session has been nothing short of historic. Earlier this year, my colleagues in the House united to elect Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch as Speaker of the House for the 102^nd General Assembly. Springfield needs new perspectives from fresh leadership so we can all benefit from new ideas in an honest, open forum. Speaker Welch provides that opportunity for us.

“Our state’s budget for 2021 lives within its means and is reflective of the challenging moment we are in. This budget honestly ensures that essential services are maintained to care for the vulnerable while we properly fund our schools and identify budgetary efficiencies and cost savings measures. My goal is to lessen the tax burden on working Illinoisans as they try their best to rebound from the pandemic.

“This month, I worked hard to pass House Bill 2595 which requires insurers and Medicaid managed care organizations to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. The bill also prohibits insurers from limiting benefits or coverage for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions to short-term or acute treatment at any level of placement.

“Additionally this spring, I passed House Bill 3498, the Telehealth bill. This measure guarantees that health insurance companies shall cover all telehealth services rendered by a health care professional. Any clinically appropriate or medically necessary treatment is now covered by insurers, just like a traditional, in-person visit would be. The pandemic highlighted gaps in healthcare coverage and revealed new ways for people to be consulted by their doctors. This bill helps Illinois adapt to these new practices. 

“I look forward to working in good faith with legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle as we continue to enact meaningful and lasting reforms which are in the collective interest of Illinoisans across the state.”