Rep. Barbara Hernandez Issues Statement Following End of House Spring Legislative Session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, issued this statement following the end of the House’s spring legislative session in Springfield:

“As we close out the spring session of the Illinois legislature, I can tally up many victories for Aurora. Hardly the least of those successes is the most recent state budget, which supports our schools and our teachers with substantial funding increases; fights poverty using affordable housing and urban grocery initiatives; promotes economic development with expanded workforce development programs; and continues reinforcing public safety with gun violence prevention and youth employment programs.

“Easy access to emergency contraception plays an essential role in reproductive rights and public health, and my measure to ensure it is available on college campuses is going to be law. At a time in which the right to choose is under attack, emergency contraception needs to be available at an affordable price. I will continue to promote this vital resource in coming years.

“The gun violence epidemic is taking an enormous toll on communities across Illinois. In recent months, we pushed back by taking steps to get weapons of war off our streets and prevent gun manufacturers from reckless advertising. Our bill enforcing a civil liability for advertising guns as tools to maim and murder discourages practices that likely contribute to mass shootings, such as last July’s tragic attack in Highland Park.”