SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Olympia Fields, issued the following statement Wednesday after the governor shared his budget proposal with the General Assembly:

“As we begin the budget negotiating process, we need to focus on delivering a responsible and compassionate plan that addresses community concerns and uplifts families.

“These are difficult days for many, and uncertainty from Washington has only added more concern. That’s why we need to craft a strong, human-centered proposal that reinforces education, child care, health care and more.

“In recent years, we’ve taken significant steps to stabilize and strengthen our state’s finances. This forward thinking has better positioned us to handle intereference from Washington, ensuring we can properly support funding for schools, safety net hospitals, food assistance and other essential services. Maintaining this financial discipline so that we can be more flexible and able to handle challenges as they arise will be critical.

“Today is the start of a larger conversation. I look forward to reviewing the governor’s proposal in detail, and making sure our community’s voice is heard as we look to invest in an affordable future for all.” 

For more information, please contact staterepdebbiemm@gmail.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Olympia Fields, issued the following statement Tuesday following the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson:

“Today we lost a man who dedicated his life to pushing for a better future for all of us. A trailblazer who wasn’t afraid to stand up to injustice. A valuable connection to Dr. King and those marches that still resonate today.

“But as we come together to reflect, today reminds us not what we have lost, but what we have collectively gained thanks to the life of Rev. Jesse Jackson.

“With the strength of a single voice, he helped millions be heard. Tacking hate head on, he worked every day to overcome injustice, create opportunity and uplift communities. His presence in Illinois serving as a reminder of how far we have come, and how much further we have to go.

“Rev. Jackson believed in a better America. It’s on all of us to continue his journey.

“My thoughts are with Rev. Jackson’s family, those closest to him and everyone who was ever touched by his beautiful life.”

ORLAND PARK, Ill. — State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Olympia Fields, was a featured speaker at the “Purple Carpet Fundraiser” of the Sarcoidosis-awareness Bernie Mac Foundation on Saturday, April 5. Meyers-Martin spoke about her successful efforts to pass a 2021 bill promoting awareness of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that killed the group’s founder, Chicago comedian Bernie Mac, in 2008.

“Sarcoidosis is a serious illness that disproportionately affects the Black community and can lead to life-changing, or even deadly, complications,” Meyers-Martin said. “Promoting awareness of sarcoidosis can lead to greater investment and help prevent lives being cut tragically short. The hard work and dedication of advocacy groups like the Bernie Mac Foundation are instrumental in building a future in which sarcoidosis and other incurable ailments have cures.”

Meyers-Martin’s House Bill 590, designating each April as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in Illinois, was signed into law on July 23, 2021 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and became effective on January 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Matteson, has advanced a bill out of the House Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee to streamline the process of designating an emergency contact for hospital patients and for notifying these contacts of changes in the patient’s condition.

“When a person experiences a medical crisis, one of the most important things, beyond preserving the health of the patient, is ensuring that the patient’s loved ones are informed of important developments in their condition,” Meyers-Martin said. “When a patient’s family member arrives at the hospital only to suddenly be told that their loved one’s condition is not what they were led to believe, that’s not right. We owe both our patients and their families a system that does better than that.”

Meyers-Martin’s House Bill 1332 requires that whenever a hospital licensed under Illinois’ Hospital Licensing Act admits a person for inpatient care, that this patient be provided with an opportunity to designate an emergency contact. If the patient chooses to do so, the bill would require that the hospital reach out to this emergency contact to ask how and when they wish to be notified of significant changes in the patient’s condition, including death—whether immediately over the phone, in person at the hospital, or by some other method.

Meyers-Martin filed the bill in response to incidents in which families were told to come to the hospital to see their loved one, only to be told on arrival that the loved one had passed away.

“We have to remember that the fundamental goal of healthcare is, in a way, keeping families intact and patients in the lives of their loved ones,” Meyers-Martin said. “Of course, that happy ending isn’t always possible. But when it’s not, we still have a responsibility to the patient to inform their loved ones in a caring and respectful manner and to those loved ones to be a source of comfort, not of confusion, in an already difficult time. This legislation simply facilitates improved communication which I believe is crucial to that goal.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Matteson, issued the following response to Gov. Pritzker’s Budget address on Wednesday:

“In coming months, I will work with colleagues to craft a budget that works for everyone in Illinois, but the proposed budget we heard today is an encouraging framework on which to build that. Major expansions to childcare programs, pushing for affordable healthcare and especially new programs to support small businesses will help us build a stronger future for our state. I am also eager to pursue Governor Pritzker’s proposed legislation to streamline our health insurance eligibility regulations. Continuing fiscally-responsible spending of taxpayer dollars towards these priorities is essential.”

MATTESON, Ill. — State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Matteson, is holding her ‘2nd Annual New Coat Drive for Women and Men and Toy Drive with Their Children’ in partnership with the Blessed Child Organization to benefit underserved families during the winter months.

“As we enter Illinois’ chilly winter months, it is especially important to consider the impact a lack of proper clothing can have, and what we can do for families who can’t afford it,” Meyers-Martin said. “I encourage the community to come out and support families who are having a difficult time right now, and ensure they have a happy and safe holiday season with generous donations of new coats for women and men and toys for kids.”

Donations will be accepted from Nov. 6 through Dec. 11, at four locations:

• Debbie Meyers-Martin’s office, at 813 School avenue in Matteson, IL
  • Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Richton Park Community Center, at 4445 Sauk Trail, in Richton Park, IL
  • Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hazel Crest Village Hall, at 3601 west 183rd street in Hazel Crest, IL
  • Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Country Club Hills City Hall, at 4200 west 183rd street in Country Club Hills, IL
  • Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 312-498-1106.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Matteson, is announcing an opportunity for Chicagoland students to learn about developing technologies, convene workforce development partnerships and create interactive exhibits: the Illinois Innovation Challenge. The event will be held on Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Google Office in Chicago, on 320 North Morgan.

“Kids need opportunities to build up practical skills and develop original ideas, maybe nowhere more than in a rapidly-evolving field like computer science,” Meyers-Martin said. “This challenge is going to give hundreds of our kids that chance, as well as to hear from computer science experts. I encourage people who are interested to sign up soon, as spaces are limited.”

In addition to the innovation challenge portion of the event, there will be multiple seminars to learn about computer science and other emerging technologies. The event is being put on by the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology in partnership with HIGH-TECH-CHI, Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services, CS for Success and Discovery Partners Institute.

Participants must be between 12-20 and be residents of the state of Illinois. Registration is required. To register and learn more details, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-tech-chi-tickets-735862874667?aff=oddtdtcreator.

“In addition to fostering learning, events like this help our kids build confidence and individualism, and help them feel comfortable in spaces that can be intimidating, such as computer science,” Meyers-Martin said. “Illinois is growing into a nationwide leader in new technologies, and this event will bring us closer to that goal.”

OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. – State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Olympia Fields, is celebrating yet another step in rebuilding the state’s fiscal house as Illinois has earned its ninth credit upgrade rating in two years.

“I was proud to help pass this year’s budget which reflects Illinoisans’ desire for fiscal responsibility,” Meyers-Martin said. “I am committed to repairing the calamitous effects of the Rauner administration’s budget impasse and major financial institutions are taking note.”

Ratings reflect a state’s credit quality. This most recent increased credit rating from Fitch Ratings highlights the growing strength and stability of Illinois’ fiscal house and allows the state to borrow at a lower interest rate, thereby saving taxpayers millions of dollars each year. Two other major financial institutions, S&P Global and Moody’s, have also increased Illinois’ credit rating to an “A” or “stable” rating.

“This most recent credit rating increase moves the goals of this year’s budget forward. Instead of being bogged down by higher interest rates, Illinois will have more funds to repair our roads, improve our schools and provide vital services to seniors.”  

For more information  email Meyers-Martin’s office at StateRepDebbiemm@gmail.com.