The Supreme Court’s decision to repeal Roe v. Wade endangers women’s lives and threatens to infringe on our privacy rights. This decision puts access to birth control and IVF at risk and it limits physician’s options when treating women who have a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. I worked to protect those rights here in Illinois, by voting to codify Roe v. Wade, and I will continue defending a woman’s bodily autonomy and protecting our access to healthcare.

It’s wrong for pharmaceutical companies to exploit those who rely on their medications. That’s why I co-sponsored a law that reduces the out of pocket cost of insulin so that people can get the medication they need without going into debt for a common, life-saving drug.

I worry about the physical and mental well being of families throughout Illinois, and I want to make sure they have access to the care they need. That’s why I passed a law that addresses the shortage of mental health professionals and increases access to high-quality mental health services across the State. This same law expands behavioral health training and makes it easier for advanced practice nurses to treat patients.

There are many benefits to music therapy, and I wanted to create the infrastructure so that this type of care is accessible to those who will benefit the most. I passed a law that creates a Music Therapy Advisory Committee and allows for the licensure of music therapists. 

I championed a law that ensures those who are in nursing homes receive the best care possible. We reassessed everything related to nursing home care by using an evidenced-based methodology and made changes to staffing requirements, payment methods, and quality standards. These changes will help improve the quality of life for our seniors and reduce racial inequities and health disparities for nursing facility residents enrolled in Medicaid.

Legislation I sponsored will increase the pipeline of healthcare workers and help us see more representation in our health care provider workforce. By creating the Equity and Representation in Health Care Workforce Repayment and Scholarship Programs, health care professionals, medical facility staff, and behavioral health providers can apply for loan repayment assistance.

Too many mothers and babies are dying during pregnancy and labor. The rates are alarming, especially because many of the deaths could be prevented. Data confirms that midwife delivered care saves the lives of mothers, newborns, and prevents stillbirths. That’s why I co-sponsored a law that permits midwives to become licensed in the state of Illinois and can more easily access support from hospitals and provide quality care to mothers and babies.