NAPERVILLE, Ill. – A new law sponsored by state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, will better connect parents and guardians of students with developmental disabilities with state resources.

“It is crucial that students with developmental disabilities and their families are aware of the resources and state services available to them,” said Yang Rohr. “The state’s Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database, or PUNS list, is a critical tool that parents of children with developmental disabilities can enroll in to be alerted when there is state funding, services or support that is available to them. While some schools may already be informing parents of the PUNS list, a new law we passed will ensure that all eligible families are made aware.”  

Yang Rohr sponsored House Bill 290, which requires school districts to provide parents and guardians of a student with developmental disabilities with the Department of Human Services (DHS) guide on services in the PUNS database, including eligibility and enrollment and other frequently asked questions. The DHS guide is also available for download at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Brochures/4313.pdf. Yang Rohr’s bill passed both the Illinois House or Representatives and the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and was recently signed into law by the governor.

“Trying to get services for children with developmental disabilities can be daunting and onerous, but Illinois’ PUNS list is a tool that can help streamline the process,” said Yang Rohr. “I am proud to have sponsored this measure that will ensure that every school district in the state is connecting students and parents with helpful resources, removing a burden for many families with developmentally impaired children.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is working to guarantee critical mental and physical health services for new mothers with her support of a new law that requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide specialized maternal health care for all women.

“I’m committed to building a stronger Illinois, and that means providing health care to everyone who needs it, regardless of their income. Many new mothers have difficulty paying for all the medical services they need, and are unfortunately under-served,” Pappas said. “Our current health system is not doing nearly enough to support women with their pregnancies, and it’s time for that to change.”

Pappas helped pass House Bill 5, which requires DHS to establish a system for providing maternal care to women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have recently given birth. The system will help women who require medical aid get to the right health care facility designed to treat their specific needs. This legislation was supported by both Democrats and Republicans and is now law.

Pappas has made lowering the cost of healthcare a key part of her legislative agenda; pushing for bills that reduce costs of medications, reign in health insurance premiums and preserve access to Affordable Care Act plans. Serious medical problems associated with maternity are not uncommon, but many go unaddressed because of the cost of caring for a new baby. In 2013, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported that almost 30,000 new moms experienced postpartum depression, in some cases for years after giving birth. Only 2 in 10 received medical treatment for their problem.

“The medical problems new mothers face are often incredibly serious, and can leave a lasting impact on both the mother and child,” Pappas said. “Issues like postpartum depression can make it extremely difficult to care for a newborn. Women need access to professional help to take care of themselves and their children, especially if they don’t have a strong support network at home. That help can’t be limited to the top income earners.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law backed by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, will expand treatment options for teens with psychological problems by requiring the Department of Human Services (DHS) to make a database of resources about mental health care available to teachers, school workers, parents and anyone around troubled teens.  

“Our kids should never have to face mental health conditions alone,” Halpin said. “We need to give them as much support as possible, but we also need information from professionals who know how to handle these situations. Teachers and parents, friends and anyone else who knows a kid who is struggling with a problem like depression or who has to deal with daily bullying; they have to know the best ways to help.”

Halpin supported House Bill 907, which requires DHS to make a database of information on mental health treatment options available on their website for parents, teachers, school social workers and any others who might be able to provide help. The goal is to create an environment of information sharing and understanding about the underlying causes and treatments for bullying, depression and other problems which can lead to school shootings and suicide. Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed this legislation into law.

“After a tragedy, we can often look back and see a point, frequently multiple points, where informed intervention by a friend or teacher or parent could have averted disaster,” Halpin said. “This legislation will give those people the tools to help their friend or student or son when it’s most important. Kids dealing with mental health issues need our support, and we have to give it to them.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, is encouraging residents struggling with addiction and family members of those struggling with addiction to call a toll-free hotline with resources on opioid abuse and treatment.

“The opioid epidemic has touched every community; ours included,” D’Amico said. “Addressing the crisis requires action by residents at every level, from our representatives in Washington and Springfield to neighbors and family watching out for one another.”

Residents can call the Illinois Hotline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP to speak with a specialist about treatment. The hotline is free and confidential, and you don’t need to have insurance to access treatment. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer assistance to residents suffering from opioid addiction. Additional treatment information is also available at helplineil.org.

D’Amico supported the establishment of the toll-free number last year through House Bill 3161, which required the Department of Human Services to post information on their website about heroin and opioid abuse for the public.

“Opioid-related deaths doubled in the past three years alone,” D’Amico continued. “Addiction is not a choice; it’s a chronic disease, and one of the most difficult challenges life can throw your way. Taking away the stigma behind opioid abuse and providing free, confidential support can begin to address it.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, co-sponsored legislation that will protect working class families from being unnecessarily removed from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

“As a proud father of three, I want to make sure the children of hard working folks in Illinois have proper access to child care,” Walsh said. “Many working-class families rely on CCAP so that they can go to work or school, and without access, it forces many parents to make a difficult decision on what’s best for the future of their family.”

CCAP is a Department of Human Services (DHS) program that provides child care to low income and working families. In July 2015, cuts to the CCAP resulted in 30,000 hard working families being turned away by program. House Bill 5599 establishes the income level to qualify for CCAP. This does not change any of the costs to the DHS, as House Bill 5599 matches the current eligibility requirements, but putting this income level into Illinois Law prevents the DHS from changing the eligibility requirements and cutting families from the program.

“Proper child care programs, such as the CCAP, are an investment into our children and Illinois,” Walsh said. “We need to make sure all Illinois families who need this help are able to get it.”

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, recently held a roundtable discussion with disability advocates, experts and individuals with special needs and their families regarding topics important to the disability community.

“Every year, the disability roundtable is one of most well attended events I hold, and this year was no exception,” Kifowit said. “I appreciate the educated panelists participating and for all the families attending that provided excellent dialogue. I know many of those who attended left with new information to help improve the lives of their loved ones.”

Kifowit’s Disability Roundtable featured Greg Fenton, director of the Department of Human Services; Carolynn Nagle, executive director of the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association; and Mariel Hamer, assistant director of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. Topics discussed included the recently enacted bipartisan, compromise budget and the local services offered to disabled residents.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – With cold weather upon us, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is reminding seniors about available warming centers throughout the area that will be open to the public so residents in need have a warm place to stay.

“For some seniors, disabled residents, and those with low incomes, staying warm during the winter can be challenging,” Mussman said. “I encourage family and friends to check in frequently with loved ones and neighbors to ensure their homes are safely heated.”

Warming centers are available in state facilities across Illinois to help residents who are living without heat or who want to save precious dollars by turning their thermostat down during the day. Hours vary by location and are limited to regular business hours for each facility. Except for Tollway oases, warming centers do not offer food, drinks or other amenities. The closest Warming Center for residents of the 56th district is at the North Suburban Department of Human Services, located at 3501 Algonquin Road in Rolling Meadows. For more information about Warming centers, to locate facilities near you, or for tips to winterize your home, please visit www.illinois.gov/KeepWarm.

“With extremely cold temperatures expected for several days, it is critical that people know the dangers of exposure to the cold and take steps to keep themselves safe and healthy,” Mussman added. “I urge anyone who is in need to take advantage of a nearby warming center.”

For more information about this issue, or any other state related issue, please contact Mussman’s full-time constituent office at 847-923-9104 or email StateRepMussman@gmail.com.

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