SPRINGFIELD – To help address health care deserts and ensure mothers get the care they need, State Senator Lakesia Collins is moving legislation to give certified nurse midwives more independence and greater flexibility in care they provide.

“This legislation will give certified nurse midwives more opportunities to collaborate, lead and deliver care families can trust,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “By modernizing outdated rules, we are making health care more accessible across Illinois.”

Currently, certified nurse midwives often have to collaborate formally with a physician to practice at full scope, but this can pose a challenge as more than one-third of Illinois counties lack maternity care. Under Collins’ legislation, House Bill 2688, CNMs would be 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.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins secured $1.1 million to help Chicago Women in Trades and the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association build pathways to good-paying jobs across Chicago.

“Creating clearer pathways and opportunities for our residents is the number one way to help them achieve success,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this funding, local organizations can prepare residents for long and fulfilling careers.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for residents to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Collins’ district, Chicago Women in Trades and the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association will each see $550,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

"Chicago Women in Trades is grateful to the state for investing in people as well as infrastructure, making Illinois a national leader in providing pathways for women and people of color to access high-wage careers in the construction trades," said Jayne Vellinga, executive director of Chicago Women in Trades. "While women currently make up only 5% of Illinois apprentices, our Women Build Illinois Program, supported by Illinois Works, is helping change that statistic. This investment opens doors to family-sustaining careers for women historically excluded from these opportunities. We're providing not just skills training but creating a support system that helps women enter and succeed in lifelong careers in the trades."

SPRINGFIELD – To support mothers across Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to give people enrolled in Medicaid better access to maternal health services.

“We are enabling the continuous support for mothers to have a doula by their side and be able to rely on their services,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this legislation, we continue our commitments to the mothers of Illinois, and especially those on Medicaid, with better support and more resources available throughout their pregnancy.”

Under Senate Bill 2437, hospitals and birthing centers would be required to give patients enrolled in Medicaid the option to select a certified doula through the Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula Program. Covered doula services can include counseling and support, newborn care, development of a birth plan, attendance at health care appointments, support during labor and delivery and more.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins held a Senate Revenue Subject Matter Hearing Wednesday to discuss Data Centers Investment Program support for minority-owned data centers.

“By hearing from local businesses we can learn what works and what will support them for a future in Illinois,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We want to spur growth in the data center sector and create new jobs and opportunities for resident.”

Data centers in Illinois who are awarded grants through the Data Centers Investment Program spoke during the subject matter hearing. Data center owners and operators are provided with a tax credit of 20% of wages paid for construction workers for projects located in underserved areas.