SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, hosted a panel discussion with experts on environmental issues Thursday night to give local residents a chance to ask questions and talk about their environmental concerns.

“Many people want to recycle, but have questions about what objects are and are not recyclable,” Mussman said. “I felt that by having a wide range of experts, we could not only form better recycling habits among residents, but start to tackle some of the more common misconceptions people may have about the recycling process.”

Representative Mussman invited speakers from various environmental organizations to come speak, including the Sierra Club, the Illinois Environmental Council, Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County, as well as a representative from the Shedd Aquarium. Together, the panel was able to give unique, informed perspectives on good recycling habits, as well as the steps that individuals can take in the community to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their negative effect on the environment.

“I am grateful for the residents who took time out of their evening to come and listen, as well as the environmental advocates who wanted to share their expertise with the community,” Mussman said. “Environmental issues are very important to me as our planet faces the effects of climate change. I will always put the well-being of my community first, which includes looking out for the environment we all live in.”

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SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Legislation backed by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, which aims to guarantee employment and health care rights to living organ donors was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Every 10 minutes, another person is added to the waiting list for a life-saving donation,” Mussman said. “No person should have to choose between saving a life and keeping their job or health insurance. This bill ensures that any living organ donors are guaranteed basic rights as they go through the incredibly generous journey of organ donation.”

The Mussman-backed House Bill 2847 puts protections in place against employers retaliating against an employee asking for time off to donate an organ or blood. Additionally, health insurance companies cannot decline, limit or raise the cost of insurance due to one’s status as a living donor under this new law. The Secretary of State’s office will also be improving outreach regarding organ donation, and maintain and update an organ and tissue donation registry.

“In the United States, over 113,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and I highly encourage anyone able to sign up to become an organ donor to do so,” Mussman said.  “I am thankful that we were able to pass this bill unanimously, and am hoping many more lives are saved because of our efforts.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Continuing her advocacy for those with developmental disabilities, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, recently supported a bill that would increase cost-of-living allowances at the same rate of their social security income.

“Right now, the amount of money people are given to spend for a month is incredibly limiting,” Mussman said. “Because some individuals with developmental disabilities are unable to work, the only money they have coming in is from social security and their personal needs allowance.  By placing financial restraints on these individuals, we are restricting their freedom. This legislation would help ease those restraints and have a better quality of life.”.”

The Mussman-backed House Bill 2815 would increase the personal needs allowance provided to those living in a Community-Integrated Living Arrangement or an Integrated Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled at the same rate as their social security income.

“By giving more of an allowance to the people living in community-integrated living facilities, we are encouraging them to be more active participants in the local economies and allowing them to live more freely and independently,” Mussman said. “This bill will have a positive effect on the individuals living in these arrangements and the communities that they are a part of.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – A measure backed by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, which aims to curb sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents through better access to preventive healthcare was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“One of my top priorities as a legislator is to ensure that young people are given the tools they need to live safe and happy lives,” Mussman said. “By expanding preventative health care for minors, we are taking steps to prevent our young people from being susceptible to contracting illnesses, such as sexually transmitted diseases.”

Mussman sponsored House Bill 2665, which gives minors access to preventative health care measures for care related to sexually transmitted diseases or substance use disorders without needing parental consent. This bill moves Illinois to join over a dozen states in allowing minors to access preventative and reproductive care, including birth control, HIV prevention medication such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and preventative vaccinations such as the HPV vaccine.

“This measure not only helps improve the lives of our young people, but can save their lives as well,” Mussman said. “I am thankful that my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker agree that we must protect our youth and provide them with the care they need.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Continuing her advocacy for substance abuse treatment, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is highlighting a recent video campaign from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that focuses on connecting people struggling with opioid or other substance use to resources for treatment and recovery.

“Tackling opioid use in Illinois has been a priority for me,” Mussman said. “I’m confident that the IDHS’s campaign will be able to help spread information on the resources people may need in order to seek treatment for a substance abuse problem.”

The video campaign launched by IDHS aims to spread awareness of the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances through a series of videos that document personal stories from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic. By sharing these stories on social media platforms from the IDHS YouTube page, it allows for a greater number of people to learn about the Helpline and the resources available to those struggling with substance abuse. The IDHS has also been advertising during TV slots, social media advertisements, transit posters and billboards in select locations.

“It’s so important that the members of our community understand that there is quality help available for them,” Mussman said. “As we’ve seen, substance abuse and addiction can be treated. The helpline is another fantastic resource that has helped thousands and I applaud the excellent work that they do.”

Since the launch of the Illinois Helpline for Opioid and other Substances, over 16,000 people have reached out to the IDHS. The number for the Helpline is 1-833-2FINDHELP and their website is HelplineIL.org.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Illinois insurance companies will be required to cover EpiPens for minors after legislation supported by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“For people with severe allergies, EpiPens are a must-have item,” Mussman said. “It is critical that EpiPens are affordable and that the health and well-being of children is prioritized over insurance company profit. This legislation ensures that families can better afford the treatments that their children need.”

The Mussman-backed House Bill 3435 will require health insurance providers to cover the cost of medically necessary epinephrine injectors, or EpiPens, for children 18 years old and younger. EpiPens are pre-filled syringes approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that contain a pre-measured dosage of epinephrine. Epinephrine can help treat severe allergic reactions to insects, foods and other substances by expanding the airways, ensuring the ability to breathe.

“We already know that EpiPens save lives, so we need to make sure that they’re affordable for the people who need them,” Mussman said.  “I am grateful that the governor signed this measure into law, because we must ensure that people have access to the lifesaving medications they need.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Concerned that children are increasingly being attracted to new forms of flavored tobacco, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, has recently backed a bill that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in Illinois.

“We are seeing new tobacco products in the market that have flavors similar to candy,” Mussman said. “With colorful packages and fruity flavors, this design seems to be attracting children and younger audiences. We are making an effort to stop this trend before it gets out of hand.”

The Mussman-backed House Bill 3883 would update state law to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, such as the liquid for vaping devices. Distributors found in violation of the proposal would be subject to having their license suspended by the Department of Revenue. The introduced bill comes in the wake of growing concern over the health risks of vaping devices which may be more attractive to children and teenagers due to their flavors.

“Important strides, such as raising the tobacco age to 21, have been made in recent years to cut the use of harmful tobacco products,” Mussman said. “New products will continue to come to the market, and it’s important that we continue to review how these products can impact our youth.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, invited local business owners to a roundtable discussion on Wednesday morning to hear their thoughts and feedback on how to make Illinois more business-friendly.

“The business owners our community play a vital role and should have a way to voice their concerns to their legislators,” Mussman said. “Hosting a roundtable meeting with local business owners allows us to discuss pro-business reforms recently passed in Springfield while also providing an opportunity for business owners to share their input and ideas for future legislation.”

Mussman hosted local business owners along with representatives from the Schaumburg Business Association and the Illinois Manufacturers Association to review measures passed during this year’s legislative session and hear feedback. Businesses were also invited to share ideas on how to make Illinois more business-friendly, help attract more businesses to the state and revitalize the local economy.

”The best way for me to advocate for the needs of business owners in Illinois is to hear from them directly,” Mussman said. “As the backbone of our local economy, it is critical to do all that we can to help small businesses grow and prosper. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have a conversation with local business owners on how to move Illinois forward toward a better economy.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, held a get-together for the seniors at The Barn Senior Center Monday morning, where she discussed local concerns and highlighted a new law designed to ensure seniors in Cook County receive the property tax savings they deserve.

“Seniors continue to be a priority for me, and this year we were able to pass a commonsense measure to eliminate a repetitive exemption process for property taxes,” Mussman said. “A new law will allow Cook County seniors to have their homestead exemption automatically renewed, which will allow residents to see savings without worrying if they should fill out paperwork every year.”

In addition to discussing House Bill 833, which creates the automatic exemption renewal, Mussman explained recent efforts to curb property taxes for all residents. Mussman also listened to concerns from attendees on pensions, health care and other issues.  

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to engage residents at The Barn, which is a strong community asset,” Mussman said. “I look forward to continuing the conversation with those who attended, and encourage those who could not make it to reach out to my office at any time for any issue.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Under legislation supported by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, seniors in Cook County will no longer be required by law to reapply annually for senior homestead exemptions on their property taxes. This legislation was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in August.

“It is critical that we continue to fight for lower property taxes and work to ensure that all homeowners receive the exemptions and relief they need and deserve,” Mussman said. “With this new legislation in place, seniors who qualify for an exemption do not need to worry about reapplying each year or fear missing a deadline. They can sleep soundly knowing that they aren’t forgetting any deadlines when it comes to their property taxes, and that they will still receive the relief they need each year.”

The Mussman-backed House Bill 833 creates a pilot program to allow qualifying seniors to continue receiving their Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption without having to reapply each year. Prior to this measure, Cook County was the only county where seniors were required by state law to reapply for their exemption annually. According to the Cook County Treasurer’s office, as many as 26,000 Cook County seniors did not reapply for annual property tax exemptions and discounts, totaling an estimated $45 million in relief.  This measure will help ensure that qualifying seniors receive much-needed exemptions.

“There is more work to be done to continue to ease the financial burden placed on homeowners in Illinois, but this legislation takes one more step in the right direction,” Mussman said. “Providing relief for homeowners in our community and across our state will help us build a stronger middle-class and create a better future for all families.”