New Holmes law overhauls child abuse reporting from psychiatric hospitals

SPRINGFIELD – After an October report from ProPublica revealed allegations of abuse and neglect of children at the Aurora Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, concerns were heightened about coordination between the Department of Children and Family Services and other state agencies.

State Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) House Bill 831 requires better reporting to rectify those cases by requiring DCFS to notify the Director of Public Health and the Director of Healthcare and Family Services when they occur. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill into law today.

“After DCFS found neglect and sexual abuse by staff, as well as failure to provide a safe environment and monitor these children’s care and medication at this psychiatric hospital, it became obvious more oversight is needed to prevent this from happening,” Holmes said. “Federal and state investigations have revealed these tragedies and we must do everything we can to stop it.”

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Holmes: Transit, municipalities and schools benefit in new capital construction plan signed by governor

Aurora, Ill. – State Senator Linda Holmes looks forward to infrastructure improvements locally and statewide after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois” capital funding plan into law today.

“We will finally be able to upgrade our roads, bridges, freight and passenger rail, transit, airports and waterways – which creates good jobs in our communities,” Holmes said. “Having dedicated resources for horizontal and vertical infrastructure projects means this is not just a one or two year plan, but a means for continual modernization.” 

The list of appropriations set for the 42^nd District includes $100 million for the Regional Transportation Authority to extend Metra train service beyond Aurora into Kendall County, bringing public transit to the fastest growing region in Illinois.

“I’ve met so many people who drive in to the Aurora Metra station because there’s no alternative, and I’m so pleased this project will be able to provide better access and reduce highway congestion for commuters,” Holmes said.

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Holmes pleased as adult-use cannabis legislation signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to legalize adult-use cannabis in Illinois, co-sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), was signed into law today by Gov. JB Pritzker. Holmes released the following statement on the law that allow cannabis sales to adults to begin Jan. 1, 2020:

“I believe legalizing adult-use cannabis is the right move for Illinois. The legislation is comprehensive in covering my concerns about prohibiting access to young people, enforcing driving under the influence laws, addressing criminal justice and restoring communities that have endured high crime due to the illegal distribution of cannabis.

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Holmes praises Reproductive Health Act becoming law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to modernize reproductive health law, co-sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), was signed into law by the governor today. Holmes released the following statement:

“I am pleased the legal rights of women to make their own reproductive health care decisions has been codified into law today. While other states are stripping women’s reproductive rights and treating us like criminals, our new law reaffirms that these are legal medical procedures. Just as decisions on an individual’s choice of cancer treatment or heart surgery are their own to make, reproductive care must not be singled out and controlled by lawmakers. Women are fully capable of making all decisions related to their health care.”