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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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.

SPRINGFIELD – Leading the charge to address disparities in maternal mortality rates in Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is spearheading a measure to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

“As a mom, I know how necessary pregnancy and midwife services are and how vital it is to lower the maternal mortality rate by ensuring mothers and newborns have the best health care and supports possible,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Black women face some of the highest mortality rates during and after pregnancy, and with this legislation, we will begin to close gaps in coverage and increase safety and care for all newborns and mothers in Illinois.”

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.

SPRINGFIELD – To assess the progress being made to place youth in care in appropriate settings, State Senator Lakesia Collins passed legislation to require the Department of Children and Family Services to annually report the number of youth in care who are erroneously placed in temporary living settings.

“We need to see the accurate numbers from DCFS and ensure that we are accounting for all children in foster care and what their living situations are,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is so important to make sure children are in safe and healthy living conditions, and with this data we can more accurately assess problems and potential solutions.”

Under Collins’s legislation, House Bill 4758, DCFS’ Annual Youth in Care Waiting Placement Report would be required to include the number of youth in care who remained in temporary living spaces, such as psychiatric hospitals, out-of-state residential facilities, detention centers or other emergency placements like shelters.