Preventing Elder Abuse: Strengthening Protection against Financial Exploitation
Senior citizens have built the strong communities we call home, and they have earned our respect and a committment. When criminals target the elderly for scams and exploitation, they must be held accountable. I am co-sponsoring House Bill 5805, which allows elderly and disabled victims of financial exploitation more time to seek justice by extending the statute of limitations from 3 years to 7 years. The bill passed the House awaits action in the senate.
Protecting U.S. Steel Producers from Illegal Imports
The American steel industry has taken a hit in recent years, and we have felt it here at home. To battle unfair practices that put American steel producers at a disadvantage, I am sponsoring House Resolution 1138, which urges the President of the United States and Congress to protect the U.S. steel industry by preventing the import of foreign steel at prices that violate international trade agreements. This is known as “dumping”.
The “dumping” of foreign steel into the United States is a violation of an international trade agreements. While the federal government can investigate violations. the process is slow. Meanwhile, American workers are losing their jobs.
My resolution is supported by pro-business groups and labor organizations. including U.S. Steel, Nucor Steel, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the Illinois AFL-CIO and the United Steelworkers of America.
Defending Our Firefighters
Firefighters are part of an honorable brotherhood of select individuals who are entrusted with the safety of our communities. They make incredible sacrifices and put themselves in danger to protect others. In return for the sacrifices they make, and the danger they encounter, they receive coverage and compensation if they are catastrophically injured. Their families receive the same if firefighters are killed in the line of duty.
Last month, I worked to defeat legislation that sought to deny benefits to firefighters and their families when firefighters are catastrophically injured on the job. As Chairman of the House Labor and Commerce Committee, I worked with the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois to ensure the brave men and women who keep out communities and families safe will continue to receive the benefits they deserve if they are catastrophically injured.
Making Health Care More Accessible
The absence of clear and reliable health care information is a significant barrier to receiving quality health care. To help reduce barriers and expand access to health care, I am fighting for the passage of legislation increasing patients’ access to information, such as doctor’s office hours, languages spoken by doctors, and whether or not offices are handicap accessible. The bill requires patients to be provided with clear guides that include explanations showing which prescription drugs are covered by insurance and which will require extra steps before they an be filled.
House Bill 6213 is supported by a number of organizations, including Everthrive Illinois, a statewide group advocating for the improved health of women, children and families; the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; the Illinois Health and Hospital Association; the ounce of Prevention Fund; and the Illinois Public Health Association. The bill passed the House last month with unanimous support and now awaits action in the Senate.