House Bill 5949 -- Adoption Act, Various: On July 9, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 5949 into law-- an adoption measure that permits confidential intermediaries to compile court-obtained records to compose an unofficial document resembling a birth certificate for adult adoptees and/or birth relatives in the event an original birth certificate can not be located. Currently, there are over 200 Illinoisans who can benefit from this new law, effective January 1, 2015. 

 A number of other bills sponsored by Rep. Feigenholtz were signed into law this month:

 House Bill 5598 -- DCFS, Voluntary Placement: addresses scenarios in which parents are forced to resort to relinquishing custody of a child with a serious mental illness to the state in order to receive critical state services;

 House Bill 4652 -- DCFS, Scholarships: expands opportunities for teenagers under the care of DCFS to attend and finish their post-secondary education;

 Senate Bill 3009-- DCFS Progress Report: requires DCFS to provide the Legislature with a comprehensive progress report regarding its child care licensing goals.

 Senate Bill 3217:  establishes a Children's Justice Task Force.  

Thank you Governor Quinn and legislators for being strong advocates for Illinois families!

Managed Care Expansion Mail Schedule

The Illinois Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Health Care and Family Services (HFS) are in the process of prompting benefit recipients to enroll in a new managed care system. To make sure you receive this information, please confirm your current residential address with DHS at 800-720-4166 or HFS at 866-912-8880. (**Note: CountyCare recipients are in Managed Care and will not receive enrollment letters until January 2015.)

HIV Medication Coverage

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago has put together valuable resources for Integrated Care Program Medicaid and Medicaid/Medicare Initiative recipients needing HIV medication. To see which medications are covered by your healthcare insurer, please click here. 

Women's Health

CoverHer, a new hotline launched by the National Women's Law Center, assists women having trouble accessing preventative health services (including contraceptives). To take advantage of this new program, call 866-745-5487 or visit CoverHer.org for more information. 

Prescription Drug Savings

In a effort to help our constituents reduce the cost of prescription drugs that can put a big dent in your wallet, we are always researching ways to help reduce cost and help get you the medication you need. Check out GoodRx, which can assist you in finding the best deal on your prescription drugs. This tool compares prices, coupons and discounts at local pharmacies, making it easier for you to shop smart at your next refill. Click here to start saving.

Below is a list of neighborhood schools accepting pens, pencils, notebooks and more. To schedule a donation drop off, please advance your local school's contact below so they can know when to expect you. If your school's drop off location is our office, you may make the drop off at 3223 N. Sheffield Ave., Suite A.