Stadelman bill targets automatic renewal fees
The legislation also would allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online, and business offering free trials er free trials or one-time reduced rates would be required to provide notice before the promotional period ends.
“In today's age of streaming services and data plans, automatic renewals are being slid by consumers all the time," Stadelman said. "By increasing transparency, this legislation would limit the ability of businesses to take advantage of people's hectic lives."
Senate Bill 328 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee last week and awaits further consideration in the full Senate.
Stadelman proposal would cap insulin costs
To give Illinois diabetics Illinoisans in affordable access to insulin, State Senator Steve Stadelman is sponsoring legislation to cap the cost of the life-saving medication at $35.
“No one should have to go into debt or go hungry skip meals to pay for a prescription they cannot live without. We have made great progress to bring down the price of insulin," said Stadelman, referencing past legislation he sponsored, "but our work is not finished until every person in Illinois who needs insulin has continuous access.”
In addition to capping out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month, Stadelman’s measure also would direct the Illinois Department of Insurance offer a discount program that would allow diabetics to buy insulin at a discounted, post-rebate price. Senate Bill 1559 passed the Senate Insurance Committee last week and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
At least 1.3 million adults and children have insulin-dependent diabetes including Stadelman's son, Nik, who plays basketball of the Redbirds at Illinois State University. Insulin prices have increased steadily for 20 years.
Stadelman pushes for more time off for grieving parents
State Senator Steve Stadelman has advanced legislation to support parents grieving the loss of a child by requiring businesses to give employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in cases of homicide or suicide. Senate Bill 2034 to establish the Zachary's Parents Protection Act was approved by the Labor Committee last week and now moves to the full Senate for a vote.
The legislation pays tribute to Zachary Birkholz, a Harlem High School freshman who struggled with depression and ended his life in 2018. Zachary's mother, Laura Kane, was forced to return to her job three three days later and then let go when her grief interferred with performance of her duties. She started a non-profit, Marshmallow’s Hope, and advocated for legislation to spare other parents from similar workplace trauma.
“Zachary's story is tragic, and so is his mother's. What Laura endured at her job was prevenable," Stadelman said, "and shouldn't happen in this state ever again."
If passed in both chambers and signed into law by the governor, Stadelman's proposal would apply to businesses with 250 or more employees. Businesses with fewer than 250 employees would be required to offer six weeks of unpaid leave.
Laura Kane and Zachary Birkholz
Perryville bridge replacement over I-39 to begin Monday
Perryville Road between Mill Road and Armer Drive will close while the Illinois Department of Transportation constructs a new bridge over Interstate 39, starting Monday.
The new, $7.9-million bridge is a preliminary step to accommodate a wider I-39 that will come during a $227 million, multiyear upgrade between U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue interchange and Blackhawk Road.
Detours will route traffic along Harrison Avenue, Mulford Road and Linden Road or Harrison Avenue and Mill Road. Completion is expected by December 1.