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Your Government |
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10/03/2008 |
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed two bills Friday to strengthen Illinois laws against adults who use the Internet to exploit children. Senate Bill 2855 and Senate Bill 2349 both overwhelmingly passed the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives late this summer. Senate Bill 2349, sponsored by Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Crest Hill) and Representative Maria Antonia Berrios (D-Chicago) creates the Illinois Child Online Exploitation Act adding restrictions to prohibit an adult from sending a minor a public transportation ticket for an unlawful purpose prohibit meeting with a minor for an unlawful purpose and prohibit sex offenders from knowingly communicating with a minor via the Internet or through digital media. The Governor also signed Senate Bill 2855, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Plainfield) and Representative Sidney H. Mathias (R-Arlington Heights), which stiffens penalties on adults who communicate online with minors with the intent to harm or solicit sexual activity. |
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CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed two bills Friday to strengthen Illinois laws against adults who use the Internet to exploit children. Senate Bill 2855 and Senate Bill 2349 both overwhelmingly passed the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives late this summer. Senate Bill 2349, sponsored by Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Crest Hill) and Representative Maria Antonia Berrios (D-Chicago) creates the Illinois Child Online Exploitation Act adding restrictions to prohibit an adult from sending a minor a public transportation ticket for an unlawful purpose prohibit meeting with a minor for an unlawful purpose and prohibit sex offenders from knowingly communicating with a minor via the Internet or through digital media. The Governor also signed Senate Bill 2855, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Plainfield) and Representative Sidney H. Mathias (R-Arlington Heights), which stiffens penalties on adults who communicate online with minors with the intent to harm or solicit sexual activity.
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10/01/2008 |
As part of the state’s ongoing effort to combat one of the fastest-growing and most dangerous illegal drug trades in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today proclaimed October 1 Methamphetamine Awareness Day in Illinois. The proclamation is in accordance with House Resolution 139, which provides that the Illinois State Police, along with the State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health, and local law enforcement agencies and school districts, will promote an educational campaign warning of the dire consequences of meth use and production. |
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As part of the state’s ongoing effort to combat one of the fastest-growing and most dangerous illegal drug trades in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today proclaimed October 1 Methamphetamine Awareness Day in Illinois. The proclamation is in accordance with House Resolution 139, which provides that the Illinois State Police, along with the State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health, and local law enforcement agencies and school districts, will promote an educational campaign warning of the dire consequences of meth use and production.
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09/30/2008 |
CHICAGO — Building on his commitment to help Illinois veterans transition back to into civilian life, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the state was awarded more than $2 million dollars from the US Department of Health and Human Services to implement a pilot program in Cook and Rock Island counties to increase jail diversion services for veterans with mental illnesses. The Veterans Reintegration Initiative (VRI) will build on and create new partnerships among state agencies, local authorities, justice departments, community organizations and services providers to expand and define an infrastructure for intervention for veterans to prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system. |
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CHICAGO — Building on his commitment to help Illinois veterans transition back to into civilian life, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the state was awarded more than $2 million dollars from the US Department of Health and Human Services to implement a pilot program in Cook and Rock Island counties to increase jail diversion services for veterans with mental illnesses. The Veterans Reintegration Initiative (VRI) will build on and create new partnerships among state agencies, local authorities, justice departments, community organizations and services providers to expand and define an infrastructure for intervention for veterans to prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system.
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09/25/2008 |
SPRINGFIELD – Seeking to help residents in seven Illinois counties recover from recent severe flooding, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today asked President Bush to declare Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties major disaster areas. If approved, a federal disaster declaration would enable people and businesses affected by the floods to apply for grants and loans to help with flood losses. |
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SPRINGFIELD – Seeking to help residents in seven Illinois counties recover from recent severe flooding, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today asked President Bush to declare Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties major disaster areas. If approved, a federal disaster declaration would enable people and businesses affected by the floods to apply for grants and loans to help with flood losses.
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09/23/2008 |
SPRINGFIELD – "I would like to commend the Illinois Senate for making the right choice this morning and voting in favor of families with autistic children. By approving the amendment to House Bill 2070, the members of the Senate have once again stepped up and shown that they, like myself, want to take action to make sure these families have the opportunity to receive the care their children need. Parents with autistic children cannot afford to wait on the officials who are elected to serve them to decide whether or not their children deserve to have this vital health care coverage. That is why I strongly urge the leadership of the Illinois House of Representatives to finally take the same positive action on this legislation, now." |
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SPRINGFIELD – "I would like to commend the Illinois Senate for making the right choice this morning and voting in favor of families with autistic children. By approving the amendment to House Bill 2070, the members of the Senate have once again stepped up and shown that they, like myself, want to take action to make sure these families have the opportunity to receive the care their children need. Parents with autistic children cannot afford to wait on the officials who are elected to serve them to decide whether or not their children deserve to have this vital health care coverage. That is why I strongly urge the leadership of the Illinois House of Representatives to finally take the same positive action on this legislation, now."
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09/23/2008 |
CHICAGO - "I want to thank the members of the Senate who joined with me to support this landmark legislation that will bring comprehensive and broad ethics reform to Illinois. For the first time in Illinois’ modern history, a legislative body joined a Governor to impose real and meaningful ethics reform on ourselves and lead by example. We did it because it’s the right thing to do. And we did it because during tough times like these it’s essential for those of us in government to regain the confidence and trust of the people. We are now one step closer to bringing much needed reform to state government and eliminating the conflicts of interest that have been inherent in Springfield. With this 50-1 vote, members of the Senate have made it clear that they are ready to change the ‘business as usual’ policies of state government and put the interests of the people first. This overwhelming, bi-partisan vote tells us this can happen – and this can happen now. This vote sends a message to the people that the tired tradition of double dipping, the fraudulent way pay raises are doled out and the deceitful way legislators who moonlight as attorneys can hide their clout-heavy client list should be a thing of the past. I urge the House to take advantage of this historic opportunity and pass this legislation now before the election. The voters and the taxpayers should expect nothing less. It is my hope that the members of the House act now and pass these comprehensive and sweeping reforms." |
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CHICAGO - "I want to thank the members of the Senate who joined with me to support this landmark legislation that will bring comprehensive and broad ethics reform to Illinois. For the first time in Illinois’ modern history, a legislative body joined a Governor to impose real and meaningful ethics reform on ourselves and lead by example. We did it because it’s the right thing to do. And we did it because during tough times like these it’s essential for those of us in government to regain the confidence and trust of the people. We are now one step closer to bringing much needed reform to state government and eliminating the conflicts of interest that have been inherent in Springfield. With this 50-1 vote, members of the Senate have made it clear that they are ready to change the ‘business as usual’ policies of state government and put the interests of the people first. This overwhelming, bi-partisan vote tells us this can happen – and this can happen now. This vote sends a message to the people that the tired tradition of double dipping, the fraudulent way pay raises are doled out and the deceitful way legislators who moonlight as attorneys can hide their clout-heavy client list should be a thing of the past. I urge the House to take advantage of this historic opportunity and pass this legislation now before the election. The voters and the taxpayers should expect nothing less. It is my hope that the members of the House act now and pass these comprehensive and sweeping reforms."
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09/22/2008 |
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich called a second special session of the General Assembly for today to discuss and act on a bill to expand health insurance coverage for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Thousands of children in Illinois have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and families often have to cover the cost of treatment for children with autism using personal funds because their insurance won't cover it. “Today I call the General Assembly into special session, because children with autism should not have to wait another year, or another legislative session to get the healthcare they need,” said Governor Blagojevich. "Illinois families work too hard to have to devote such a large portion of their income to their children’s treatment. With this proposed change, Illinois’ children with autism can get needed therapies and services to help their development into adulthood." |
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Governor Rod R. Blagojevich called a second special session of the General Assembly for today to discuss and act on a bill to expand health insurance coverage for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Thousands of children in Illinois have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and families often have to cover the cost of treatment for children with autism using personal funds because their insurance won't cover it. “Today I call the General Assembly into special session, because children with autism should not have to wait another year, or another legislative session to get the healthcare they need,” said Governor Blagojevich. "Illinois families work too hard to have to devote such a large portion of their income to their children’s treatment. With this proposed change, Illinois’ children with autism can get needed therapies and services to help their development into adulthood."
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09/18/2008 |
Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich will be calling a special session on Monday, Sept. 22, in an effort to bring real ethics reform to Illinois. The governor will be asking the General Assembly to consider legislation that would improve transparency in Springfield. “I am calling the House and the Senate back in to address the issue of true ethics reform in the State of Illinois. We have an opportunity to enact real ethics reform in Illinois that will cover all elected officials and help end the conflicts of interests that are inherent in Springfield politics. I am asking the General Assembly to follow my lead and ban the practice of “pay to play” politics and then go a step further and bring about more reform by banning the tradition of double dipping, revamping the dishonest way pay raises are given out and by shining a light on legislators who use their influence to lobby before other boards and commissions,” said Governor Blagojevich. |
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Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich will be calling a special session on Monday, Sept. 22, in an effort to bring real ethics reform to Illinois. The governor will be asking the General Assembly to consider legislation that would improve transparency in Springfield. “I am calling the House and the Senate back in to address the issue of true ethics reform in the State of Illinois. We have an opportunity to enact real ethics reform in Illinois that will cover all elected officials and help end the conflicts of interests that are inherent in Springfield politics. I am asking the General Assembly to follow my lead and ban the practice of “pay to play” politics and then go a step further and bring about more reform by banning the tradition of double dipping, revamping the dishonest way pay raises are given out and by shining a light on legislators who use their influence to lobby before other boards and commissions,” said Governor Blagojevich.
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09/17/2008 |
CHICAGO – In the absence of federal action by President Bush to protect the environment and the public from toxic chemicals in discarded electronics, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed landmark legislation requiring electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle or reuse electronics products. Today’s announcement comes on the same day the U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report on toxic electronic waste – or e-waste – dumping and scolded the U.S. EPA for failing to adequately address the problem of electronic products containing hazardous waste. |
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CHICAGO – In the absence of federal action by President Bush to protect the environment and the public from toxic chemicals in discarded electronics, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed landmark legislation requiring electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle or reuse electronics products. Today’s announcement comes on the same day the U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report on toxic electronic waste – or e-waste – dumping and scolded the U.S. EPA for failing to adequately address the problem of electronic products containing hazardous waste.
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09/15/2008 |
CHICAGO–After visiting an American Red Cross shelter for flood victims in Des Plaines, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today declared Cook, DuPage, DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties state disaster areas to help impacted communities respond to and recover from flooding caused by record-setting rainfall over the past several days. Following the announcement, the Governor conducted an aerial survey of widespread flood damage throughout the Chicago metropolitan areas. |
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CHICAGO–After visiting an American Red Cross shelter for flood victims in Des Plaines, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today declared Cook, DuPage, DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties state disaster areas to help impacted communities respond to and recover from flooding caused by record-setting rainfall over the past several days. Following the announcement, the Governor conducted an aerial survey of widespread flood damage throughout the Chicago metropolitan areas.
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09/12/2008 |
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich took action today to certify the improvements he made to House Bill 5285. With this action the bill becomes law, and parents will now be able to extend their dependents’ coverage until their 26th birthday; and up to age 30 for veterans. This action follows the General Assembly’s bi-partisan vote to accept the Governor’s amendatory veto to improve this bill. Over 300,000 Illinoisans between the ages of 19-25 are uninsured – many of whom lack the means and opportunity to get affordable health insurance coverage. Being able to stay on their parents’ or guardians’ health plans will allow thousands of young adults to keep or get access to more affordable coverage, get regular checkups and receive preventive care. |
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Governor Rod R. Blagojevich took action today to certify the improvements he made to House Bill 5285. With this action the bill becomes law, and parents will now be able to extend their dependents’ coverage until their 26th birthday; and up to age 30 for veterans. This action follows the General Assembly’s bi-partisan vote to accept the Governor’s amendatory veto to improve this bill. Over 300,000 Illinoisans between the ages of 19-25 are uninsured – many of whom lack the means and opportunity to get affordable health insurance coverage. Being able to stay on their parents’ or guardians’ health plans will allow thousands of young adults to keep or get access to more affordable coverage, get regular checkups and receive preventive care.
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09/11/2008 |
SPRINGFIELD — Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that Preschool for All will expand to include 30 new sites this year and 50 existing sites will be expanding their services. This expansion builds on the program’s nationally acclaimed success, bringing the total number of three and four-year-olds served to more than 90,000 and more than doubling Illinois’ commitment to early childhood education since taking office. Governor Blagojevich initiated Preschool of All and has made a multi-year commitment to early childhood education through the program, more than doubling the state’s commitment to early childhood education since FY 2003. During this time, funding for early childhood education has increased by nearly $200 million. The Fiscal Year 2009 budget includes $32.4 million in additional funding to continue expanding the program toward fully funded Preschool for All. The goal is to continue to increase funding until all children whose families want them in preschool have access to it by Fiscal Year 2011. |
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SPRINGFIELD — Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that Preschool for All will expand to include 30 new sites this year and 50 existing sites will be expanding their services. This expansion builds on the program’s nationally acclaimed success, bringing the total number of three and four-year-olds served to more than 90,000 and more than doubling Illinois’ commitment to early childhood education since taking office. Governor Blagojevich initiated Preschool of All and has made a multi-year commitment to early childhood education through the program, more than doubling the state’s commitment to early childhood education since FY 2003. During this time, funding for early childhood education has increased by nearly $200 million. The Fiscal Year 2009 budget includes $32.4 million in additional funding to continue expanding the program toward fully funded Preschool for All. The goal is to continue to increase funding until all children whose families want them in preschool have access to it by Fiscal Year 2011.
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08/26/2008 |
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today introduced a package of ethic reforms that would force elected officials in Illinois to comply with ethics requirements that would be among the most stringent in the nation. The reforms include everything from changing the way legislative pay raises are issued to strengthening campaign contribution laws. The reform package includes an Executive Order that establishes strict guidelines on companies that do business with the State. The Governor’s order prohibits campaign contributions from businesses, their affiliates and affiliated persons, with state contracts totaling more than $50,000, to state constitutional officers and members of the General Assembly or any candidate for those offices. The Executive Order ensures implementation of ethics reforms even if the General Assembly fails to take further action.
HB0824 Information |
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CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today introduced a package of ethic reforms that would force elected officials in Illinois to comply with ethics requirements that would be among the most stringent in the nation. The reforms include everything from changing the way legislative pay raises are issued to strengthening campaign contribution laws. The reform package includes an Executive Order that establishes strict guidelines on companies that do business with the State. The Governor’s order prohibits campaign contributions from businesses, their affiliates and affiliated persons, with state contracts totaling more than $50,000, to state constitutional officers and members of the General Assembly or any candidate for those offices. The Executive Order ensures implementation of ethics reforms even if the General Assembly fails to take further action.
HB0824 Information
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08/22/2008 |
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that would provide for the continuation of benefits to disabled, unmarried children of teachers who participate in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois. House Bill 5120 allows unmarried biological and adopted children, regardless of age, who have a physical or mental disability to be the beneficiary of a pension benefit, even if they are receiving public aid. |
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CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that would provide for the continuation of benefits to disabled, unmarried children of teachers who participate in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois. House Bill 5120 allows unmarried biological and adopted children, regardless of age, who have a physical or mental disability to be the beneficiary of a pension benefit, even if they are receiving public aid.
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08/20/2008 |
SPRINGFIELD– Today’s Senate action is consistent with the fundamental purpose of Senator Hendon’s bill to increase access to healthcare for young adults. Today the Senate did the right thing. With the Senate’s approval of my additions, the parents of the 300,000 young uninsured adults have one less thing to worry about. Now, parents of those young adults will have an option to give their children access to adequate healthcare. This also invites thousands of additional healthy young adults into insurance pools, which can have a positive benefit for everyone. |
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SPRINGFIELD– Today’s Senate action is consistent with the fundamental purpose of Senator Hendon’s bill to increase access to healthcare for young adults. Today the Senate did the right thing. With the Senate’s approval of my additions, the parents of the 300,000 young uninsured adults have one less thing to worry about. Now, parents of those young adults will have an option to give their children access to adequate healthcare. This also invites thousands of additional healthy young adults into insurance pools, which can have a positive benefit for everyone.
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08/15/2008 |
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed five pieces of legislation to increase protections for Illinois children from convicted sex offenders. These new laws provide the public with important information about unaccounted for sex offenders and strengthen barriers keeping sex offenders away from children and their homes, schools and child care facilities. |
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CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed five pieces of legislation to increase protections for Illinois children from convicted sex offenders. These new laws provide the public with important information about unaccounted for sex offenders and strengthen barriers keeping sex offenders away from children and their homes, schools and child care facilities.
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08/11/2008 |
SPRINGFIELD – Joined by 200 veterans and their families at the Illinois State Fair Veterans’ Day, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich used his amendatory veto power to give a full property tax exemption to an estimated 16,000 Illinois veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50% or more. Because veterans with a severe service-connected disability, rated at 50 percent or higher by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, may have an impaired ability to work or have lost their ability to work altogether, they may be living on fixed incomes and are more susceptible to the rising cost of consumer goods and changes in property taxes. |
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SPRINGFIELD – Joined by 200 veterans and their families at the Illinois State Fair Veterans’ Day, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich used his amendatory veto power to give a full property tax exemption to an estimated 16,000 Illinois veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50% or more. Because veterans with a severe service-connected disability, rated at 50 percent or higher by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, may have an impaired ability to work or have lost their ability to work altogether, they may be living on fixed incomes and are more susceptible to the rising cost of consumer goods and changes in property taxes.
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08/06/2008 |
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today called on the General Assembly to return to work on August 12 and August 13 to address increasing Illinois’ education funding and to pass a slimmed down $25 billion Illinois Works capital plan to invest in revitalizing our state’s roads, bridges, classrooms and communities. After weeks of working with the legislative leaders to negotiate a capital plan that eliminates expanding gaming as a revenue source, last week the Governor announced the new plan with former US Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL). |
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CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today called on the General Assembly to return to work on August 12 and August 13 to address increasing Illinois’ education funding and to pass a slimmed down $25 billion Illinois Works capital plan to invest in revitalizing our state’s roads, bridges, classrooms and communities. After weeks of working with the legislative leaders to negotiate a capital plan that eliminates expanding gaming as a revenue source, last week the Governor announced the new plan with former US Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL).
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08/06/2008 |
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today used his amendatory veto power to improve House Bill 5285 to provide parents with the option of keeping dependents on their health care insurance until their 26th birthday; parents with dependents who are veterans can keep them on their plans until their 30th birthday. Over 300,000 Illinoisans between the ages of 19-25 are uninsured – many of whom lack the means and opportunity to get affordable health insurance coverage. Being able to stay on their parents’ or guardians’ health plans will allow thousands of young adults to keep or get access to more affordable coverage, get regular checkups and receive preventable care. |
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Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today used his amendatory veto power to improve House Bill 5285 to provide parents with the option of keeping dependents on their health care insurance until their 26th birthday; parents with dependents who are veterans can keep them on their plans until their 30th birthday. Over 300,000 Illinoisans between the ages of 19-25 are uninsured – many of whom lack the means and opportunity to get affordable health insurance coverage. Being able to stay on their parents’ or guardians’ health plans will allow thousands of young adults to keep or get access to more affordable coverage, get regular checkups and receive preventable care.
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