Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ “healthcare pillar” now awaits governor’s action

Posted on March 25, 2021
State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is the sponsor of the Legislative Black Caucus’ “healthcare pillar” which passed on to the governor Thursday. (Photo courtesy Illinois Senate Democrats)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A Legislative Black Caucus priority now awaits the governor’s action – the “healthcare pillar,” which, supporters say, will make the healthcare system fairer to people of color.

“We’re still in very rough financial shape right now, and there are some very good things in this bill,” said State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield), “but, unfortunately, I would urge a No vote, because we can’t afford it.”

“I just want to say we cannot not afford it,” responded State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago). How do you put a price tag on somebody’s life?”

The “healthcare pillar,” among other things, puts a sixty-day moratorium on closing hospitals and provides better access to doulas and other prenatal services.

HB 158 has passed the Senate, 41-16, and awaits the governor’s action.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…