ITASCA, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is promoting new grant opportunities from the Illinois Department of Human Services to assist child care providers as they provide valuable service during a challenging time.

“Child care providers fill a vital role in our society, and while the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are with us, they deserve sufficient financial support to remain open,” Pappas said. “Reliable child care is something many families cannot function without. We cannot continue working to safely reopen Illinois without first ensuring that all kids will have the care they need, and that cannot happen without well-funded child care services.”

Pappas worked with fellow legislators and the governor’s office to secure $270 million in funding for Child Care Restoration Grants to relieve the financial burden on child care providers during the COVID-19 health crisis. Applications for this grant began Monday, July 20 and will end Aug. 7. Child care providers looking for grant money can apply at https://www.ilgateways.com/financial-opportunities/restoration-grants.

“Maintaining the financial strength of child care services is essential, not just for the help they provide families, but for the role they play in our economy,” Pappas said. “Many of these services are locally-owned and responsible for keeping vital dollars flowing through Illinois’ economy. These grants will ease the difficult burden placed on many parents right now while preserving and even creating new jobs.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing her fight for better healthcare for all Illinois children, state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, supported a new law that is now in effect, which requires schools to coordinate with parents of children with epilepsy and their doctors to create a comprehensive plan of action in case of an emergency.

“Epilepsy is a serious illness that must be addressed with proper planning,” Pappas said. “Coordinating schools, parents and doctors will lead to a safer and more stress-free environment for children dealing with seizure disorders. This is one of many critical steps we must take to ensure our children are safe when they are in school.”

Pappas worked for House Bill 1475, or the ‘Seizure Smart School Act’, which requires parents, doctors and school administrators to create a comprehensive plan for every student with epilepsy or similar seizure disorder. Plans must include assistance from a designated care aide working within the school to ensure recommended health protocols are followed. The legislation was passed unanimously, and the law went into effect July 1.

“Children, especially those with unique medical needs, should feel secure while they’re in school,” Pappas said. “Leaving kids with specialized requirements unaddressed until an emergency strikes is irresponsible and unfair to those students and their families. I am committed to removing blind spots like this from Illinois’ public health system.”

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – As part of her efforts to support health care providers, state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is acknowledging the 2020 Nurse Educator Fellow recipients, each of whom receive $10,000 from the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Nursing Workforce Center Advisory Board in recognition of their excellence of nursing education.

“Nurses play a critical role in our health care community, and they deserve recognition for their great work,” Pappas said. “This year’s class of nurse educator fellows have not just helped countless patients receive care, they have advanced medical research and mentored new health care professionals to ensure that new generations of nurses can continue their good work. We owe them a great debt for the support they have provided, especially while we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Pappas is recognizing 19 nurses who received the 2020 Nurse Educator Fellow award. Every year, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Nursing Workforce Center Advisory Board acknowledge a group of nurses who have excelled both in patient care and in advancing research and education on the national level. The award comes with a $10,000 grant to help them continue to bolster the quality of medical care in the United States.

“High-quality medical education is a key factor in maintaining and advancing access to healthcare,” Pappas said. “The work done by this year’s recipients will have a substantial, positive impact on medicine for generations to come. I applaud them for their service during these difficult times.”

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following an effort by state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, to support first responders, a law outlining new protections for police and firefighters who have contracted COVID-19 recently went into effect.

“I am committed to ensuring that the men and women putting their lives on the line to keep us safe are financially supported as they face the challenges of their bravery,” Pappas said. “Those on the front lines of this pandemic don’t deserve to be saddled with medical debt if they catch COVID-19. Firefighters and police officers deserve direct assistance during this difficult time, and it is my priority they get it.”

Pappas voted to pass House Bill 2455, which expands workers compensation benefits for first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty to include all those who have contracted COVID-19. This legislation was the result of an agreement between representatives of business and labor interests to give Illinoisans combatting this disease on the front lines the financial aid they need, without putting an undue burden on the Illinois economy. The bill was signed into law in June and went into effect immediately.

“This crisis has highlighted how impressive our doctors, nurses and medical professionals are and how broken the system for paying for their services is,” Pappas said. “For far too many Illinoisans, health care is prohibitively expensive, and mounting medical debt is a terrifying consequence of the coronavirus. Making health care more affordable will remain a key issue for me, and I thank the governor for his swift action signing this legislation into law.”

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BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – As the weather gets warmer, state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is encouraging residents to be up-to-date about how to enjoy the summer safely.

“Summer is a great time for everyone to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, but this year poses challenges due to social distancing and mask requirements,” said Pappas. “In addition to being aware of COVID-19 precautions, people should also be mindful of other summertime risks. Whether it’s knowing how to handle extreme heat, what to do in the event of a thunderstorm, or how to exercise safety around pools and other bodies of water, everyone should take the steps necessary to enjoy the nice weather safely.”

Pappas is reminding residents of the different safety precautions that should be taken when out in the summer heat. With the rising temperatures come several different concerns that residents should take into account. It’s important to know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, i.e., heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and be sure to drink plenty of water and take extra breaks. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature of 103 degrees, flushed skin, dry and hot skin, rapid breathing, convulsions or unresponsiveness, or an altered mental status. If someone is suffering from heat stroke, immediately call 911 and cool the person down by removing unnecessary articles of clothing, moving the individual to a cool place and immersing them in water (or covering them with cold, wet towels if immersion is not available). Alcohol can make heat exhaustion and heat stroke worse, so make sure to drink responsibly on very hot days.

Additionally, Pappas is encouraging residents to be aware of water safety tips, whether in a pool or on a boat, especially if there are small children around. She also wants residents to be aware of bug safety and the different illnesses that mosquitos and ticks can cause, such as the Zika Virus, West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. And she’s reminding residents to be mindful of summer thunderstorms and remember the motto: “When the thunder roars, go indoors!” Pappas knows that the summer provides the opportunity to be active and healthy, but wants everyone to be aware of the risks that come with being outside.

“Staying active and spending time in the sun is a great option for everyone this year, but there are many different risks that could be fatal if people do not take the necessary precautions,” said Pappas. “By educating yourself about the different dangers that exist before you head outside, we can all have a safe and happy summer!”

For more information on beating the summer heat, residents can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) website at www.cdc.gov/family/kids/summer/index.htm.

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – The bankruptcy filing of Clare Oaks, a leading continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Bartlett, Ill., has drawn intense interest from state representatives led by Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, whose 45th District encompasses Clare Oaks.

Clare Oaks’ bondholders have presented a Plan of Reorganization that, unless approved by 95% of Clare Oaks’ residents, will eliminate their contractually guaranteed entrance-fee refunds; turn the residents into renters of their own homes; and shutter the CCRC’s highly rated skilled nursing care area with 120 beds. This last possibility led the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to file an objection to the bondholders’ plan in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.

“I think this possible action is outrageous at any time, but especially during the global pandemic of COVID-19, which has hit the senior population so hard. It’s shocking that bondholders, out of pure financial self-interest, would be willing to take these unprecedented measures in Illinois against senior citizens who entered into contracts that guarantee their homes and future healthcare for the rest of their lives,” said Pappas.

These comments refer to outcomes stated in the bondholders’ plan filed by Lapis Advisors and Amundi Pioneer, investment firms that acquire distressed assets. The residents stand to lose entrance-fee refunds ranging from $109,350 to $299,433, which were guaranteed when they moved into independent living residences.

“These seniors are the innocent bystanders,” said Pappas. “They are people who have put their life savings into securing a place to live, to ensure their future healthcare as they age in a community where they can maintain socialization with other seniors and avoid becoming a burden on their family and society. They entered into contracts with certain expectations, and due to the actions of other parties their contracts are being put in jeopardy—out of plain greed. For those commitments to be wiped out due to bondholders’ unreasonable financial considerations is immoral and unjust.”

Contractual agreements with CCRC residents have long been upheld by courts in Illinois and throughout the country, not least because this older population is at high risk. In addition, there are ways to arrive at a mutually beneficial conclusion between creditors and investors in these cases: such conclusions have been achieved in more than a half-dozen cases where Illinois CCRCs have emerged from Chapter 11—with residents’ rights protected—in recent years.

“Sophisticated investors such as these bondholders should have a level of expectation and should understand the nature of these properties,” added Pappas. “They should realize that the residents are not corporate entities that can easily recover from this kind of life-altering financial setback. When you invest in property that deals with the most vulnerable among us, you have to know that there are certain actions you just should not take.”

Lawmakers also are concerned that the investors’ plan, if allowed to proceed, could usher in a slew of filings aimed at many of the more than 600,000 senior citizens living in approximately 2,000 CCRCs across the country.

“My greatest concern is of course for my constituents,” said Pappas. “But just as important, a ruling in favor of these bondholders could set a precedent across the country. Especially now, we cannot allow residents in other senior living communities around the nation to be put in this position. We need to send a strong message that this kind of action, and this outrageous lack of compassion and civility, will not stand.”

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – With the income tax filing deadline approaching, state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is reminding residents to file their state and federal taxes if they have not already done so.

“Due to COVID-19, families were given an extension to file their income taxes, and it is now time for those who have not yet filed to do so,” said Pappas. “The pandemic has placed an undue burden on hard-working families throughout the state, and hopefully this extension has provided them with a sense of relief during these difficult times.”

Pappas encourages residents who have not already filed their state or federal taxes to do so by July 15 to avoid any penalties or late fees. The extensions applied to individuals, trusts and corporations, and 85% of Illinois residents have filed their state returns. Residents can visit www.irs.gov to file their federal taxes for free, request an extension or apply for coronavirus aid. To file state taxes and learn more about additional state taxpayer resources, residents can visit www.revenue.illinois.gov. Pappas encourages taxpayers who anticipate a refund to file their returns as soon as possible.

“There are many different resources available to residents right now, both at the state and federal level, and I hope that people take the time to learn about what assistance they may qualify for,” said Pappas. “My office is always a resource for community members to use if they are looking to navigate state resources. If anyone has any questions or ideas about what more can be done to lift up Illinois families, please contact my office. By working together, we can truly make our state better for everyone.”

Residents can stay informed on developments with the COVID-19 pandemic by reviewing the State of Illinois website at www.coronavirus.illinois.gov. Pappas encourages residents with questions or concerns to contact her district office at 224-520-8838 or email RepDPappas@gmail.com.

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is promoting the expansion of essential services that are now available through the Help Illinois Families initiative to support working families impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This unprecedented health crisis has caused a lot of financial hardship, and many working families are struggling to make ends meet,” said Pappas. “The expansion of these essential services will help ensure families can access the resources they need during these uncertain times.”

To support working families impacted by the outbreak, Pappas is promoting the Help Illinois Families initiative following the expansion of services provided through the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. Eligible Illinois residents and families can apply to receive assistance with food, rent, utilities, temporary shelter, medicine and other essential household services. For more information on the expanded resources and the application process, please visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com.

“Although these services are a critical step forward, there is no question that more work remains to be done to provide working families with the resources they truly deserve,” Pappas said. “Regardless of the circumstances, every Illinois family deserves empathy and support.”

Residents can stay informed on developments with the COVID-19 pandemic by reviewing the State of Illinois website at www.coronavirus.illinois.gov. Pappas encourages residents with questions or concerns to contact her district office at 224-520-8838 or email RepDPappas@gmail.com.

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is reminding residents to practice safe driving this holiday weekend by not drinking and driving.

“The Fourth of July is a time for us to celebrate our country and independence,” said Pappas. “Many of these celebrations involve alcohol, and it is fine to indulge during time off with family and friends, but if this is part of your celebration plans, please do not drink and drive. Instead, designate a sober driver or use another form of transportation to get home safely. Getting behind the wheel after a day of drinking places the driver’s life in jeopardy, as well as the lives of everyone else in the car and on the road.”

Pappas is promoting safe driving during the Independence Day weekend to reduce the amount of traffic accidents and save lives. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that over 400 people may be involved in fatal traffic accidents during the holiday weekend throughout the United States. Pappas wants community members to celebrate the holiday safely and responsibly so that we can all celebrate the next holiday as well.

“This holiday, let’s focus on our collective safety as we celebrate outdoors, if possible, practice social distancing or wearing face coverings when gathering with family and friends who live outside our homes, and, as always, avoid drinking and driving,” said Pappas. “Following these common sense safety guidelines will ensure that we call all be together for many celebrations to come.”

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – This past session, state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, supported a new law to provide additional funding for public health services amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

“As a result of this unprecedented health crisis, many Illinoisans have been put out of work and are struggling to meet their basic needs,” said Pappas. “Expanding public health services is a crucial step we can take to contain the spread of this pandemic and support our working families.”

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Pappas supported Senate Bill 264 to secure $719 million dollars in new funding for public health services in Illinois. The measure will also provide $416 million dollars for testing and other services being performed by local health providers in the upcoming fiscal year. This bill is now law.

“This new law will help expand critical resources for child care, testing, senior citizens and mental health,” Pappas said. “Now more than ever, we must work to ensure all Illinois families can access the services they need to get through these uncertain times.”

Residents can stay informed on developments with the COVID-19 pandemic by reviewing the State of Illinois website at www.coronavirus.illinois.gov. Pappas encourages residents with questions or concerns to contact her district office at 224-520-8838 or email RepDPappas@gmail.com.