Collins secures funding for African American-led data center development

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins has secured $3.4 million for construction of the first African American-led data center development in Illinois. Located in the Illinois Medical District, the IMD1 data center project will help secure Illinois’ data locally and will create opportunities for local youth to learn about technology and computing.

 “The IMD1 project will bring so many opportunities to our community here in the 5^th District,” Collins (D-Chicago) said. “With this grant funding we can keep Illinois technology data within our state, instead of sending it off to another state or another country, and gain millions in tax revenue that can go back to support the Black and Brown neighborhoods, businesses and youth.”

Groundbreaking for the project is expected by early next year. The project includes a five-story, 184,700-square-foot data center that will be built on a two-acre site at 14th and Damen in Chicago, located in the Illinois Medical District. The first phase of work will include LEED-certified engineering plans, electrical upgrades and equipment purchases, and sewer and site improvements. The project also includes scholarships and training programs for local youth to participate in technology and earn future employment at data centers. Funding for the project is included in the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 Rebuild Illinois capital plan.

• SB 3939
• Data Centers
• African American

Read more: Collins secures funding for African American-led data center development

Collins announces mental health clinics in Chicago will receive funding

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins announced two area mental health centers have been selected for a federal program designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use treatment.

“These investments will help bring resources to the quality mental health providers in our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “The organizations selected will be able to provide more mental health resources to their patients and ensure our community can access the help they need, regardless of their financial status.”

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration Program provides reimbursement through Medicaid for the full cost of services that CCBHCs provide – at higher rates than what they previously received for Medicaid customers. This program is estimated to bring an additional $150 million into Illinois’ behavioral health system. CCBHCs provide access to a range of services and care coordination through evidence-based practices and other supports based on a community needs assessment. This includes crisis services that are available 24/7. CCBHCs are also required to provide routine outpatient care within 10 business days.

• Mental Health
• Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration Program
• Medicaid

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Collins: Investments in birth equity initiative are promising, budget should do more for most vulnerable Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“It is important to keep our commitment to supporting new mothers as we fight against increasing infant and maternal mortality rates. With new funding to address the issues facing women in Illinois, especially Black women, I am eager for the progress we will make in supporting parents and protecting maternal and child health.

“However, as a mom of three young boys and an advocate for other parents in my community, the lack of investments in programs for our young people is a major issue that was not thoroughly addressed in this budget. In my own district, I see how life-changing youth programs and job opportunities can have on young peoples’ careers, mental health, and their safety, and I am disappointed these programs—and these young people—were not a priority in this year’s budget. I will continue to work with my colleagues and advocates to ensure young people in our state are not forgotten, and are able to reach their full potential.

“While this budget falls short of what is truly needed to make transformative change, it is a step toward addressing the problems in our communities. There is still work to be done to invest in our youth through job training, employment opportunities and violence prevention programs, as well as support our community care providers who sacrifice so much to care for the most vulnerable in our community. However, I took an oath to govern, and passing this budget will help take some of the pressures off of my constituents in the 5^th senate district.”

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• FY25
• Budget
• Birth Equity
• CCP
• Youth

Collins birth equity initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality

SPRINGFIELD—As disparities in maternal mortality rates continue to alarm health care professionals and soon-to-be mothers across the state, State Senator Lakesia Collins passed a measure to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

“Why should mothers have to make the decision between paying their rent, mortgage or car loan, and making sure they and their baby are healthy?” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Women should not have their health decisions limited by whether or not they can afford care. This initiative will impact many women in the state by eliminating the cost-sharing requirements for this care, and end up saving lives.”

Under Collins’ legislation, private insurers would be required to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurance companies would need to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

• Maternal Mortality
• HB 5142
• Birth Equity
• Mothers

Read more: Collins birth equity initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality