SPRINGFIELD – After a Chicago resident was unable to obtain records regarding a deceased relative from the state, State Senator Lakesia Collins pushed forward legislation that would help individuals access their deceased families’ records.

“If someone needs to obtain records about their relative, we need systems in place to allow for the transfer of that information,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this legislation we are creating a clear pathway for people trying to secure the information of their deceased to make the process easier.”

Senate Bill 2715 would require the Illinois Department on Aging to establish procedures for the disclosure of program records by the Long Term Care Ombudsman.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is pushing for a measure known as Liam’s Law to provide better bereavement support measures to parents experiencing perinatal and infant loss.

“This legislation is a continuation of our efforts to provide more options to families when perinatal loss occurs,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Requiring hospitals to notify parents of their rights is the least they can do during such painful circumstances.”

Collins is working to establish Liam’s Law to better support families in these circumstances. The measure would require hospitals to notify the parents of their right to receive a certificate of birth resulting in a stillbirth following a spontaneous fetal death during or after the second trimester.

CHICAGO - To prepare nursing students and increase available nursing staff in Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins helped to secure nearly $150,000 in funding for the University of Illinois Chicago’s readiness education program for nurses.

“We need better access to health care across our communities, and that begins with strategic investments in our workforce,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “The need for nurses in Chicago cannot be overstated; we need nurses now to help decrease the time it takes to access care, to manage the workload of current nurses, and to improve health outcomes for our community.”

The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded a $148,967 nursing school grant to the University of Illinois Chicago. The grant was awarded through a competitive application process where institutions submitted enrollment, retention, completion and job placement rates of their students during a multi-year period and how grant funds would be used to enhance their program’s efforts to close equity gaps and improve student success.

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her advocacy for youth in care across Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is pushing for legislation to address their struggles and how Illinois can help with the transition out of DCFS and support their future.

“As someone who has gone through the foster care system and faced homelessness on my departure, I cannot explain how vital this change is for so many who are currently in the state’s care,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Making sure our youth can transition out of care to find stability and thrive in life is my top priority.”

Collins’ legislation, Senate Bill 2820, would extend the eligibility for youth in care from 21 years old to 23 years old, allowing youth to stay in the DCFS system for two more years.