SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Crucial emergency response for nursing homes may improve, thanks to legislation spearheaded by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, who passed a bill out of the House chamber Tuesday requiring long-term care facilities to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on premise.

“Preparedness saves lives. That’s why it’s so important staff of long-term care facilities and nursing homes are trained and ready to respond to residents experiencing a cardiac emergency,” said Manley.

House Bill 1287 aims to support faster care for long-term care or nursing home residents experiencing a cardiac emergency. All long-term care facilities would be required to purchase an AED by 2030, and employees who would operate the defibrillator must be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED-use. If passed, Illinois would join a handful of other states who have implemented similar requirements to improve nursing home safety.

“Every second counts in emergencies like these — having an AED on premise and training nursing home staff means less time waiting on medical help to arrive, and more time proactively caring for the resident,” said Manley.

Manley ultimately garnered unanimous support on the House floor, successfully passing the legislation onto the next chamber. The legislation now awaits Senate action. Additionally, Manley voted to pass measures strengthening consumer protections for older adults. House Bill 1865 (D- Scherer) curbs abusive practices by regulating how health insurance representatives can communicate with individuals over the age of 65, who are suffering from dementia, living in a long-term care facility or nursing home. Similarly, House Bill 266 (D-Ryan) would prohibit companies from sending deceptive “expired warranty” mail when the recipient has no warranty or relationship with the company.

Both measures received support across the aisle and await bicameral action.

JOLIET, Ill. – In partnership with the Joliet Fire Department (JFD), State Representative Natalie Manley today announced a pilot project to provide free Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal kits to the public to assist community efforts in combatting the opioid crisis. The kits, which safely destroy unwanted and expired medications, are now available at 12 locations throughout the city.

“Unused prescription drugs can significantly contribute to the opioid epidemic, creating opportunities for misuse,” said Manley. “Providing a safe and effective way to dispose of unwanted and expired medications is a simple step to combat this crisis. I am thankful to the Joliet Fire Department for stepping up as our first distribution point.”

Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits break down prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as pills, patches, liquids, creams, and films, making them inactive when water is added. The pilot program was implemented with assistance from the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization (HERO) and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. The Joliet Fire Department volunteered to serve as the first distribution agency for the kits, which will be available at front desks of Joliet City Hall, both Joliet Police Department stations, and at the nine JFD stations throughout the city.

“We’re proud to be making this life-saving resource available to residents,” said Joliet Fire Department Chief Greg Blaskey. “Opioid addiction impacts every community, and these kits will help ensure that unused medications do not reenter circulation.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 100,000 overdose deaths occurred in the United States at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic between April 2020 and April 2021. Seventy-five percent of these deaths were attributed to opioid misuse. As more Will County residents have struggled with opioid addiction during the pandemic, HERO has worked to provide avenues of support for families and their loved ones who are struggling with addiction.

 “Battling opioid abuse remains an ongoing priority and I urge the public to use these kits to dispose of unwanted medications,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “This pilot project is a critical first step in making this resource available to residents throughout the county.                

The Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits are available at the following locations, along with being made available on every JFD fire truck and ambulance:

• City Hall – 150 W. Jefferson Street
• Joliet Police Department Main Station – 150 W Washington Street
• Joliet Police Department West Sub Station – 7196 Caton Farm Road
• JFD Station #1 – 101 E. Clinton St.
• JFD Station #3 – 450 Laraway Rd.
• JFD Station #4 – 868 N. Draper Ave.
• JFD Station #5 – 661 Mason Ave
• JFD Station #6 – 2049 Oneida St.
• JFD Station #7 – 125 Houbolt Rd.
• JFD Station #8 – 2293 Essington Rd.
• JFD Station #9 – 2300 Michas Dr.
• JFD Station #10 – 1599 John D. Paige Dr.

“Stress and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic attributed to an increase in opioid use and overdoses, including misuse of prescription drugs,” said Dr. John Roberts, President of HERO. “Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits provide an easy way for residents to dispose of medications before they can contribute to this crisis. I look forward to identifying future opportunities to distribute this resource.”

 Residents with questions can contact Rep. Manley’s office at (815) 725-2741.

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To ensure that state government is working solely on behalf of taxpayers, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, helped passed comprehensive ethics reform legislation aimed at stopping corruption in Springfield.

“After facing unprecedented challenges over the past year and a half, it is more important than ever that elected officials are working solely on improving the lives of those they serve,” said Manley. “State government must be fully committed to using all available resources on supporting small businesses, working families, and those who need it most.”

In order to place greater restrictions on elected officials and increase transparency and oversight, Manley voted in favor of Senate Bill 539, which passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law recently. The bill ends a number of unethical practices from politicians, including banning elected officials from becoming lobbyists in less than six months after leaving office, closing a loophole that allows legislators to take a full-month’s salary for less than a full month of work and banning political fundraisers on legislative session days. The bill also strengthens the Inspector General’s investigative powers.

Since entering the General Assembly, Manley has worked to crack down on corruption in state government. Last session, she supported legislation requiring additional transparency from lobbyists. She also helped create the Ethics and Lobbying Reform, which closely examines state ethics and lobbying laws and makes concrete recommendations to reform current laws.

“Our constituents send us to Springfield to work on the many issues that are facing our state, not to improve our own financial situation,” said Manley. “Everyone deserves to have representatives who are committed to addressing their needs, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our ethics laws to ensure that elected officials are working in the best interests of those they represent.”

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In order to help raise awareness on the variety of mental health resources residents have access to, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting World Mental Health Day and encourages residents to take a few moments to learn about what mental health resources are available to them.

“With so many residents dealing with mental health issues, especially with the isolation and stress that the pandemic has caused, it is important that residents know that help is available,” said Manley. “Mental health is a key component of overall health for an individual, and we must ensure that all residents have access to the mental health resources that they need.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, over half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental health illness or disorder in their lifetime. To ensure that all residents are able to effectively manage their mental health care, Manley has worked to expand access to mental health resources in a variety of ways. This session, Manley helped pass legislation expanding mental health care accessibility by requiring insurance providers to cover medically necessary mental health care. She also voted for a measure to help student mental health by allowing them to have up to five excused absences for mental health reasons.

Manley is encouraging those suffering from mental illness or who have a loved one experiencing mental health problems to take advantage of the Call4Calm text line, which connects residents with local mental health services, by texting TALK to 552020. For more information on mental health resources, please visit the Illinois Department of Human Services’ website at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=123539.

“While there has been a focus on physical health over this past year, we cannot afford to neglect mental health care and let residents struggle with their mental health without any support,” said Manley. “Moving forward, I will continue my efforts to increase access to mental health services to all Illinoisans and ensure we are not leaving anyone behind.”

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To ensure that residents have the financial resources they need to get through the winter months, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is encouraging residents to take advantage of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs, which can provide aid to residents for a variety of household expenses.

“With the temperature beginning to drop, it is important that residents are able to pay for household necessities, such as heat,” said Manley. “Especially after a year in which many working families had financial difficulties, we cannot abandon members of our community to struggle to get by without any support.”

As part of her efforts to provide constituents with much-needed support, Manley is promoting the LIHEAP and CSBG programs. During the previous legislative session, Manley voted to expand the amount of residents eligible for LIHEAP, which helps pay for home energy services, such as heating, gas, propane and electricity. In addition, Manley is also highlighting the CSBG program, which provides residents with assistance for essentials such as rent, food, temporary shelter, medicine and more. Both of these programs are currently open for applications. For more information or to apply, please visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website at illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/HomeWeatherization/CommunityActionAgencies/Pages/HelpIllinoisFamilies.aspx

“No one should have to turn off their heat or skip a meal because they cannot afford to buy the things they need to survive,” said Manley. “Resources are available to ensure everyone is able to receive essential services, and I highly encourage residents to take a moment and see if they are eligible for these vital programs.”

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To help mitigate the impact of poverty on unhoused women in Illinois, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, backed a new law that will require shelters that give housing assistance to women or youth to provide free menstrual hygiene products.

 “Feminine hygiene products can cause a large financial burden on individuals,” said Manley. “For those women who are already struggling or are experiencing homelessness, daily life can become even more difficult if they do not have access to products that allow them to care for their monthly basic needs.”

Manley supported House Bill 310, the Feminine Hygiene Products for the Homeless Act, to require housing shelters to provide free period products for women and youth. This measure, which was signed into law earlier this month, came after NBC reported that tampons and pads are among the least donated items for women experiencing homelessness, despite being highly requested. Women spend more than $2 billion per year on feminine hygiene products.

“This new law is commonsense and supports one of the basic needs of women in crisis,” continued Manley. “I am proud to see this legislation signed into law as it will help restore dignity and humanity to unhoused individuals who are already experiencing hardship by making feminine hygiene products free in shelters.”

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As part of her efforts to provide useful services to her constituents, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, will be partnering with state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, to host the Illinois Secretary of State’s Mobile Driver Service Unit on Tuesday, Aug. 3.

“With the Secretary of State’s Office being closed for much of the past year, there has never been a better time to take advantage of the many services the Mobile Driver Service Unit offers,” said Manley. “I highly encourage residents to skip the long lines and use this opportunity to conveniently access the Secretary of State’s services.”

Manley will be hosting the Mobile Secretary of State event at the IBEW Local 176 Hall, located at 1100 NE Frontage Road in Joliet, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3. At the event, residents will be able to take advantage of a number of driver services, including renewing or correcting driver’s licenses and renewing license plate stickers. This event is free and open to the public. For any questions, please contact Manley’s full-time constituent service office at (815) 725-2741.

“One of the most important aspects of my job as a representative of our community is to find opportunities to make the lives of residents easier, whether that is through legislation or bringing services into the district,” said Manley. “Throughout the rest of the summer and beyond, I look forward to continuing to bring useful resources to my constituents.”

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As part of her efforts to support survivors of crimes, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, helped pass legislation that was recently signed into law by Gov. Pritzker to provide additional funds to victims of violent crimes and their families who incurred financial costs as a result of the crime.

“With the harm and trauma that survivors have to face after being victims of a violent crime, it should not fall solely on them to deal with the financial burden from something that was not their fault,” said Manley. “Survivors should be able to focus on recovering, not worrying about how they will pay for hospital bills or other expenses.”

Manley voted in favor of House Bill 3295, which passed both chambers with unanimous support. The law expands the Illinois Attorney General’s Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) program to ensure survivors of crimes are being supported during their recovery. The expansion includes increasing the maximum payout to those who are victims of a crime committed after Aug. 6, 2022 to $45,000 from $27,000, as well as allowing funds to be used for funeral and burial costs.

Throughout her time in the General Assembly, Manley has worked to provide support and resources to those who have been victims of crime. This session, she co-sponsored legislation that creates easy-to-carry cards containing information that keeps survivors of domestic violence safe from their abuser. She has also worked to prevent crimes from happening by increasing penalties to violent offenders, introducing legislation that would require those convicted of battery to register as a sex-offender if the crime was sexually motivated.

“It is our responsibility to ensure survivors are not made to face the many difficulties of recovering from being a victim of a crime alone,” said Manley. “This legislation is just one part of my fight to ensure survivors have the support they deserve, and I look forward to continuing my efforts to make sure no one is left behind.”

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Legislation recently passed by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, to make mental health care resources more accessible will now head to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law.

“With the unique challenges we faced this last year, it became evident that access to affordable mental health coverage is more important than ever,” said Manley. “While mental trauma and other conditions may not be visible like many physical injuries or illnesses, health care coverage should cover all aspects of our overall health.”

Manley recently passed House Bill 2595, which if signed into law would require insurers and Medicaid managed care organizations to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional or substance use disorders or conditions. Manley’s measure recently passed both the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, and now heads to Pritzker’s desk.

“As our state battled the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned that accessible health care for both physical and mental health can make a huge difference in the lives of many people across our state,” continued Manley. “I urge the governor to sign this legislation into law, to hold insurance companies accountable, and ensure that Illinoisans have the total health coverage they need.”

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As part of her efforts to provide new resources to her constituents, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined Romeoville officials in a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a new dog park in Romeoville.

“After a year in which many residents have had to spend more time than usual indoors, it’s a pleasure to help bring the new dog park to our community so pets and their owners can get outdoors together,” said Manley. “I am proud to partner with the Village of Romeoville to bring this beautiful addition to Will County and the people of Romeoville.”

The new dog park, which will be located across from the post office on W 135th Road, will be nearly 8 acres and be split into two to provide an area for large dogs and one for small dogs. The dog park will also include an agility course. Securing funding for the dog park is just one way that Manley has been working to improve the lives of pet owners. This past session, she supported legislation that would make it illegal for pet shops to offer loans or installment contracts, which can trick prospective owners into paying significantly more than for their new pet than the advertised price.

“State Representative Natalie Manley was instrumental in securing a $300,000 grant for this project, so we owe a big thank you to her,” said Romeoville Mayor John Noak. “A dog park has been one of the most requested amenities and we are pleased to be fulfilling that.””