News Releases

New protections for adults with disabilities

HaineFloorShot10SPRINGFIELD, IL – Adults with disabilities who receive home-care are closer to having new safeguards against personal abuse and financial exploitation. The Senate passed the Adult Protective Services Act, House Bill 948, with bipartisan support Thursday.

“This gives an often marginalized, at-risk population new defenses against abuse and exploitation,” State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton), the proposal’s sponsor said. “We have an obligation to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

The act integrates the current domestic care investigative program and the program for long-term care facilities under the Department on Aging. This consolidation removes separations between the agencies and streamlines future investigations.

This legislation also creates a 24 hour-a-day hotline, allowing people to report cases of abuse and trigger investigations.

Under this proposal, any caregivers who have abused, neglected or financially exploited a patient will be disclosed on the centralized caregiver registry.

The Adult Protective Services Act passed the House in April—sponsored by Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago)—and returns for a vote of concurrence.

Medical marijuana passes the Senate

HaineFloorShot9SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Senate passed medical marijuana by a 35-21 vote, Friday.

House Bill 1, The Medical Cannabis Pilot Program, creates a four-year pilot program allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana as a legal alternative to pharmaceuticals for qualified patients with chronic diseases.

State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) is the proposal’s sponsor in the Senate.

“I am glad my colleagues understand that this program alleviates suffering and provides strong safeguards against abuse,” Haine said. “Patients afflicted by the most unbearable conditions will soon have a compassionate answer to their cries for help.”
 
House Bill 1 restricts the use of marijuana in the presence of minors, in vehicles and in public, especially near school grounds. The program requires a doctor’s written certification, registered patient photo identification cards and an electronic verification system.

This proposal passed the House April 17, sponsored by Representative Lou Lang (D-Skokie).

House Bill 1 now goes to the governor for approval.

Recent SIU trustee elected chairman, board resumes work

HaineFloorShot8SPRINGFIELD, IL – Major Gen. Randal Thomas was unanimously elected chairman of Southern Illinois University’s Board of Trustees on Thursday during the board’s first full meeting since January.

Thomas and another appointee Shirley Portwood, recently approved by the Senate, filled two of the three vacancies left on the board since the beginning of the year.

“Congratulation to Maj. Gen. Thomas; under his leadership I am confident that board will guide these great institutions into a renewed period of growth,” State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) said.

“His unanimous election shows that the board is united in their mission to promote all of Southern University’s outstanding campuses.”

One board seat is still vacant and awaits an appointee.

Haine: Senate passes pension reform

hainehsv1SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Senate passed comprehensive pension reform by a 40-16 vote, Thursday. State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) voted for the proposal.

“Our pension systems have required these necessary changes for far too long,” Haine said. “While this plan will require sacrifices, it will strengthen our state’s finances and give much needed stability to our pension systems.”

This proposal, Senate Bill 2404, now moves to the House for a vote.

For an overview of the bills details visit www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com

Medical marijuana passes Senate Executive Committee

HaineFloorShot7SPRINGFIELD, IL – Medical marijuana is one step closer to becoming law following an Illinois Senate Executive Committee hearing.

The proposed legislation, House Bill 1, creates a four year pilot program where qualified patients can be prescribed marijuana as a treatment for specific aliments. The program creates a system of 22 state-regulated growers and 60 licensed dispensaries.

“Patients are one step closer to having a safe, legal way to ease their suffering,” State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) said. “I am optimistic that the rest of the Senate will see this measured, reasonable proposal as a compassionate solution.”

The plan restricts the use of marijuana in the presence of minors, in vehicles and in public especially near school grounds. Safeguards include a doctor’s written certification, registered patient photo identification cards and an electronic verification system.

Medical marijuana must now be passed by the Senate and signed by the governor in order to become law. This proposal was passed by the House April 17.

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