SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A public health measure led by state Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, to prepare hospitals for infectious disease threats by updating threat response guidelines has passed the legislature.

“When it comes to public health crises, robust preparation and up-to-date preparedness policies are much more impactful than responses that come after harm has already begun. A proactive posture saves lives, mitigates health risks and eases economic losses,” Grasse said. “These common-sense reforms can make a significant difference in harm reduction as new threats arise.”

House Bill 4977 makes a simple change to Illinois’ Hospital Licensing Act by including “pathogens of epidemiological concern” as a form of multidrug-resistant organisms. These pathogens are defined by a range of traits which indicate a propensity for rapid transmission, especially within healthcare facilities. It also repeals the MRSA Screening and Reporting Act, which will now be covered by the expanded definition.

This legislation passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support and now moves to the governor’s desk for signature.

“With all aspects of public safety policy, we can’t afford to wait until a threat is obvious to act,” Grasse said. “I’ve been working for a wide-range of bills to get more healthcare to every Illinoisan, and I’m helping craft a budget that supports hospitals and other health services as much as necessary. Up-to-date public health guidelines are another piece of the puzzle, and this measure represents significant progress.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, helped pass a bill expanding the eligibility threshold for reduced vehicle registration fees so more Illinois seniors and residents who have a disability can qualify for assistance.

“As countless Illinoisans are forced to overcome high prices everywhere they turn, I’m committed to cutting the cost-of-living and relieving financial burdens that make people’s lives harder,” Grasse said. “Seniors and Illinoisans living with disabilities are some of the groups most hurt by Trump cuts to support programs, and everything we can do to offset these cuts is progress.”

Illinois’ Benefit Access Program reduces annual vehicle registration costs for senior citizens and individuals who have a disability based on their incomes. But inflation has meant that seniors receiving Social Security and other individuals on disability may be priced out of the program.

The Grasse-backed House Bill 4157 seeks to amend current law so more seniors and residents who have a disability meet the income eligibility amounts for reduced vehicle registration fees. In coming years, income thresholds will also be tied to the cost-of-living, ensuring no one loses access due to inflation.

Under House Bill 4157, the income threshold limit for a household of one will be raised to $33,562, the threshold for a household of two raised to $44,533 and the threshold for a household of three raised to $55,500 to qualify for reduced fees.

“This measure is part of a comprehensive approach I’m taking to promote affordability,” Grasse said. “Legislation relieving property tax burdens, slashing junk fees, lowering housing prices and even lessening the financial impacts in Illinois’ corrections system are all steps I’ve taken towards an easier, less-expensive life for all Illinoisans.”

House Bill 4157 passed the House floor and awaits Senate consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, is advancing legislation to ensure seriously ill, homebound and hospitalized Illinoisans are not denied the right to marry simply
because they cannot travel.

“Marriage is a fundamental right between consenting adults,” Grasse said. “For those who are seriously ill or physically unable to leave their home or hospital room, we have a responsibility to meet them where they are. This is about dignity, equity and making sure love is not limited by circumstance.”

House Bill 4508 amends the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act to allow eligible individuals to apply for a marriage license remotely or have a clerk come to them with medical authorization. The bill builds on policies first used during the COVID-19 pandemic and removes unnecessary barriers for people already facing profound challenges.

This legislation passed the House on Tuesday and will soon be heard in the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, passed legislation through the House on Wednesday to update public health policy to prepare hospitals for potential infectious disease outbreaks.

“This commonsense change to hospital policy to align Illinois with medically recommended standards is the right step for public health preparedness, something I take very seriously,” Grasse said. “The medical professionals working in Illinois deserve a system that helps them do their jobs and continue to provide world-class healthcare to people across the state.”

House Bill 4977 makes a simple change to Illinois’ Hospital Licensing Act by including “pathogens of epidemiological concern” as a form of multidrug-resistant organisms. These pathogens are defined by a range of traits which indicate a propensity for rapid transmission, especially within healthcare facilities. It also repeals the MRSA Screening and Reporting Act, which will now be covered by the expanded definition.

This legislation passed the House with bipartisan support, and will soon be heard in the Senate.

“Preserving the health and safety of our community needs a comprehensive approach,” Grasse said. “I’ve been working for a wide-range of bills to get more healthcare to every Illinoisan, and I’m helping craft a budget that supports hospitals and other health services as much as necessary. Up-to-date public health policies are another piece of the puzzle, and on Wednesday we made progress.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, is continuing her fight for better mental health care by leading the passage of new legislation to increase the frequency of required Department of Human Services (DHS) follow-up visits for patients in nursing homes who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness.

“When it comes to mental healthcare in nursing homes, Illinois has fallen behind state and federal standards, and it’s time for that to change.” Grasse said. “People dealing with serious mental health challenges aren’t getting the visits from qualified DHS caregivers they deserve, and quality of care is suffering as a result. This legislation will bring us in compliance and raise the level of care they receive.”

Grasse has made fair health care accessibility a priority during her time as a lawmaker, and House Bill 4509 fits into that agenda with new requirements for DHS follow-ups for patients in nursing homes with serious mental illnesses.

Grasse’s legislation makes the following changes to the Nursing Home Care Act:
      DHS follow-up visits on patients checking into nursing homes are required after 60 days, not 90;
      DHS visits are required after a significant change in a physical or mental condition; and
      DHS is required to remove the need for unnecessary conflict-of-interest waivers for pre- admission screenings.

House Bill 4509 has the support of the DHS, the Illinois AARP and the Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. It recently passed the Illinois House Human Services Committee with bipartisan support.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, advanced a measure to promote transparency and fiscal responsibility in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) system through greater palliative and hospice healthcare cost reporting requirements. This bill passed the House Restorative Justice and Public Safety Committee last week and will soon be heard on the House floor.

“Gathering information on the cost of end-of-life care for individuals in our Department of Corrections system who don’t receive palliative or hospice care is essential to making smart, fiscally responsible reforms,” Grasse said. “Without a clear picture of the financial impact of not providing palliative and hospice care, next steps are going to be less reliable.”

In her continued push for fiscal responsibility and smart reforms, Grasse is leading the charge on House Bill 4665, which requires IDOC to include in its annual report data on the costs of end-of-life care for people who die of natural causes without hospice or palliative programs. This requirement is an expansion of the Eddie Thomas Act, which mandates IDOC to gather and post online other health data on palliative and hospice care for incarcerated individuals.

House Bill 4665 is supported by the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender and Restore Justice.

“At a time in which Illinois is facing the challenges of federal funding cuts, ensuring we understand the cost implications of government processes is essential to acting responsibly,” Grasse said. “This bill provides the foundation for next steps to take to optimize our corrections system for incarcerated people while remaining fiscally accountable.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, issued the following statement on Friday in response to the Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Trump Administration’s unlawful tariff policies related to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

“The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down many of the aggressive and unnecessary tariffs driving up the cost-of-living is going to help make life more affordable for millions of Illinoisans. From small business owners who were forced to raise their prices and see demand for their products dwindle, to working people who suddenly couldn’t afford vital expenses, this ruling represents a step toward stability.

“Now it’s time for reimbursement. Working people bore most of the financial burden of these tariffs, and the federal government got billions. That money should be returned to the taxpayers to help undo the damage of the illegal tax they were forced to pay.

“From childcare and healthcare to housing and utility bills, building a more affordable Illinois won’t be solved by a single court decision; the work isn’t over. However, putting an end to irresponsible federal policies that were pushing up costs across the board is a step in the right direction. Let’s choose a smarter economic path forward.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, issued the following statement Wednesday in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget introduction:

“Affordability must remain at the center of this year’s budget. With President Trump and his administration advancing trade wars and tariff policies that drive up everyday costs, our responsibility is to make sure Illinois families can keep up and get ahead.

“The uncertainty created by frozen federal funding for childcare, education and healthcare requires a steady and serious response. We will use every tool available to protect essential programs and prevent harmful gaps in support for the millions of Illinoisans who rely on them.

“I remain committed to a budget that is both compassionate and disciplined, one that spends responsibly, respects taxpayers and invests where dollars make the greatest difference. In recent years, Illinois has seen 10 credit rating upgrades that show responsible budgeting and strengthened our fiscal standing. This will continue to guide our work.

“This is the beginning of an important conversation. I look forward to working with colleagues to pass a responsible budget that delivers for families and builds a more affordable future for Illinois.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, is one of over 200 lawmakers from all 50 states to sign a comprehensive letter organized by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) and the Child Care for Every Family Network urging the federal government to restore childcare funding.

“Donald Trump’s sudden freeze of childcare funding has put the wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of children at risk,” Grasse said. “For working parents especially, childcare is one of the largest household expenses, and losing access to affordable care options is an immediate crisis. When the cost-of-living is already too high, it’s vital that this funding be restored immediately.”

In January, the Trump administration announced its intention to cut childcare funding in five states, including Illinois. Additionally, the federal government’s “Defend the Spend” policy targets social services and childcare programs by forcing agencies servicing these vital resources to provide excessive and unnecessary documentation before receiving any kind of funding, causing nationwide delays.

Grasse has been integral to championing legislation supporting young families, children and education access. Recently, she helped to pass House Resolution 621, calling for the immediate release of $10 billion in child care funds frozen across Democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion for Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness or disability.

“I’ve worked hard to make laws that support children in working class families and to cut expenses that are making their lives harder. Now the Trump Administration is trying to unravel that progress,” Grasse said. “I’m joining more than 200 of my colleagues to call for an end to this president’s tragic attacks on innocent people who live in a state that didn’t support him in an election.”

The collaborative letter can be read here and was entered into the record during yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Hearing.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, has introduced legislation to ensure home health and hospice workers receive the same safety protections already afforded to healthcare providers in hospitals and other facilities, protecting at-home caregivers and their families from threats, intimidation or violence related to their work.

“Caregivers are providing vital services in people’s homes every day, often alone and without the protections available in medical facilities,” Grasse said. “I’m going to fight to make sure they have the same legal safeguards as any other healthcare worker. No one should be put at risk simply for showing up to care for someone in need.”

Grasse filed the Health Care at Home Workforce Protection Act, or House Bill 4600, which creates a specific charge for threatening home-based healthcare providers, as well as their families and friends, with violence. The legislation is designed to bring home health and hospice workers into alignment with existing protections for facility-based providers and to act proactively against a growing national trend of violence toward caregivers.

A recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows in-home care providers face a significantly higher risk of violence than other healthcare workers due to isolation and limited control over their work environments.

“Illinois is already facing a shortage of care providers, and safety concerns are a major reason why,” Grasse said. “If caregivers don’t feel safe, they leave the profession and patients suffer. This law helps prevent violence before it happens and ensures home-based workers are protected just like their colleagues in hospitals and clinics.”