Rep. Barbara Hernandez Named ‘2024 Legislator of the Year’ by Health Care Council of Illinois

AURORA, Ill. — State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, received the ‘2024 Legislator of the Year’ award from the Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) for her work advancing the cause of affordable high-quality healthcare in Illinois.

“The HCCI came to me with a problem: despite Illinois’ persistent shortage of healthcare providers, a member of our community was being denied the chance to provide care due to the language they spoke. I was proud to work with the HCCI to put an end to provide a solution to that situation and overall end that practice,” Hernandez said. “I’m grateful for this award and hope I can work again with an organization so committed to improving the lives of all Illinoisans.”

Hernandez received the ‘2024 Legislator of the Year’ as a result of her efforts crafting House Bill 5218 in conjunction with the HCCI. This legislation requires that nursing assistant certification exams be offered in both English and Spanish. Spanish-speaking Illinoisans were unable to pursue careers as nursing students due to the test only being offered in English. The measure passed with strong bipartisan support.

“Our healthcare system needs more caregivers to fullfill the needs of Illinois patients,” Hernandez said. “This measure is an important step towards filling that shortage and ensuring that every person in our state without exception gets good care.”