Dear neighbor,
I am pleased to let you know that the Care of Students with Diabetes Act
(HB6065), which I sponsored in the Senate, has passed each chamber and
now moves to the Governor for his signature. You can read the bill here or read the Tribune's report about the bill here.
The passage of this bill is a tremendous victory for parents of children
with diabetes across the state, led by Suzanne Elder, who have
tirelessly advocated to pass this legislation for over 7 years.
Suzanne's efforts to create an impressive coalition of parents and
organizations that care about this issue at last won over tough interest
groups that lobbied against the bill. Her work on this issue is an
inspiring story for those grassroots advocates who want to make a
difference in Springfield.
The bill will enable children with diabetes to get the care they need in
school, without their parents having to quit their jobs to manage their
children's health, as happens now too regularly. Children who are old
enough and able can now self-manage their diabetes at any school in the
state. For those children who cannot self-administer and who are
located in schools without a nurse, their parents or guardians can
identify a volunteer at the school (teacher or staff) to become the
child's delegated care aid. This volunteer (no one can be compelled to
volunteer) will receive professional training on how to help the child
manage his or her diabetes according the child's diabetes care plan.
This law is an important step towards protecting the health and lives
of students with diabetes in Illinois.
Future e-mails will include additional updates about legislation that I
have worked on during this session or you can read more by clicking here. Please contact me at hsteans@senatedem.ilga.gov or 773-769-1717 if you have any
questions about the Care of Students with Diabetes bill or any other
legislation.
Best,
Heather A. Steans
State Senator
|
Heather Steans