SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is proud to support and see the signing of Liam’s Law that will provide better bereavement support measures to parents experiencing perinatal and infant loss.

“This law will give grieving families more supportive options when perinatal loss occurs,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is important these parents know what their rights are during a loss of pregnancy as they go through what can be the hardest time of an individual’s life.”

Collins measure, Liam’s Law, will better support families in these circumstances. The measure will 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.

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

 “Mothers should never have to make the choice between taking care of their body versus paying their bills,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Health decisions should not be decided on whether its affordable or not, and for many women across Illinois this initiative will help eliminate cost-sharing requirements that in the past prevented them from seeking care.”

Under the new law, private insurers are 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 now need to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins held a neighborhood block party Friday at the 5^th Senate District office to celebrate the community and join in for some family fun.

“I am so thankful to the people I work with day in and day out who strive to bring something meaningful to our community,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Seeing community members join each other in a fun celebration reminds us how close we are and how when we all come together, we can make big things happen.”

The neighborhood block party was made possible thanks to collaboration from Lateshia Jackson, founder of A&L Youth and Family Services, and Terry Young, founder of Black Men United.

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.