Rep. Delgado Passes New Health Laws That Will Save Lives

CHICAGO – New laws introduced by state Rep. Eva Dina-Delgado, D-Chicago, will improve access to lifesaving public health information and access to lifesaving drugs for vulnerable families.

“My community sent me to Springfield to make things better, and these two public health related  laws will do just that,” Delgado said. “By solidifying partnerships between public health departments and local communities, we will be able to better prevent the spread of disease and ultimately save lives. Communities of color know that the COVID-19 pandemic was devastating, and they didn’t have the information they needed to protect themselves. This legislation will do a lot of good should another public health emergency arise.” 

Delgado’s House Bill 2039 moves Illinois’ public health response capabilities into a better, more robust direction, allowing local public health departments to get up-to-date public health information they need. This information helps departments learn patterns of disease activity and roll out a response. 

Continuing her commitment to lowering healthcare costs, Delgado championed House Bill 2189 which lowered the cap on the price of insulin from $100 to $35 for those eligible. Insulin is a lifesaving drug that helps those with diabetes control blood sugar and convert food into energy. The bill was backed by the American Diabetes Association, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and AARP Illinois. 

“Major pharmaceutical companies for decades have used their outstanding power over insulin users to charge out-of-control prices for this life saving drug, but now that is a thing of the past,” Delgado said. “Too many people depend on insulin for us to do nothing in the face of this injustice, and I am thankful to the advocates, my fellow legislators and all those who helped us take a stand on this issue.” 

For more information on these bills and other Delgado-backed legislation, visit ilga.gov. 

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