CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is calling on federal lawmakers to protect food assistance benefits that nearly two million Illinois residents rely on by resolving the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, come Nov. 1.

“This is an urgent issue that will impact nearly two million Illinois residents,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Families from every corner of our state rely on support from SNAP. Illinois residents will be feeling the loss of these benefits as they figure out how to put food on the table during this trying time.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 57,948 residents of the 5^th District who rely on SNAP benefits.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Public Health to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint that will serve as a roadmap to improving maternal health and birthing outcomes across Illinois.

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton, and the birthing justice advocates for their tireless work advancing birth equity and for recognizing the importance of this issue,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As an advocate for birth equity, I was honored to sponsor this life-saving legislation. Every person — regardless of race or income — deserves a safe and healthy birthing experience.”

The blueprint builds upon the Illinois Birth Equity Initiative, which Collins championed last year. The blueprint outlines four strategic priorities to improve maternal health, representing a multi-agency initiative across the governor and lieutenant governor’s offices, Illinois Departments of Human Services, Public Health, Healthcare and Family Services and more.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Black Men United and Governor JB Pritzker on Wednesday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new affordable housing developments for low-income families in the Maywood community.

“This ceremony was a full-circle moment for me. As someone taken in by my foster family and a proud Proviso East Class of 2004 graduate, I know what it’s like to not always have a place to sleep or to experience homelessness,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “I am proud to stand with Black Men United as they open the doors to new opportunities for families of the Maywood community.”

The project in Maywood includes rehabilitation and development of housing units that not only meet high-quality living standards but also integrate emerging technologies to promote energy equity and sustainability. Through state funding, Black Men United is working to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income families of the Maywood community.

SPRINGFIELD – To address health care deserts and provide mothers the care they need, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give certified nurse midwives more independence and greater flexibility in care they provide.

“This law gives our nurse midwives more flexibility in collaborating and delivering services and care to our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are modernizing rules to fit with providers needs and giving our residents greater access to health care.”

Before this law, certified nurse midwives had to collaborate formally with a physician to practice at full scope, but this would pose a challenge as more than one-third of Illinois counties lack sufficient maternity care. Under Collins’ legislation, House Bill 2688, CNMs are now allowed to provide out-of-hospital birth services at licensed birth centers without the need for a formal collaboration agreement, as long as they have permission from the birth center’s clinical director.