SPRINGFIELD – Domestic violence is a serious public health issue across the United States. In Illinois, 42% of women and 26% of men will face violence from an intimate partner. To ensure survivors are not further burdened at work, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen collaborated with State Representative Daniel Didech on House Bill 1278 which was signed into law Friday.

“Victims of domestic violence should not have to worry about workplace retaliation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Survivors should not be penalized for protecting themselves. This law can — and will — save lives.”

SPRINGFIELD – Domestic violence survivors will have an easier time getting the assistance they need thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen.

“The proposed waiver and critical assistance funding are essential tools for survivors today more than ever as we face challenges with federal funding . Now more than ever we need to continue to make resources readily known and accessible for our most vulnerable communities,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “I was proud to partner with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence on this common-sense legislation that helps survivors and streamlines crisis assistance within the TANF application process.”

SPRINGFIELD – Nationally, an estimated $2.8 billion worth of medications are wasted annually. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen partnered with State Representative Laura Faver Dias to champion a new law to provide Illinoisans with cheaper alternatives and transparency within the Illinois Drug Reuse Program.

“Medications can be ridiculously expensive, often leaving people to decide between rent, groceries or their life-saving medicine,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This law is critical to helping our most vulnerable communities and improves a well-established program that has helped countless Illinoisans.”

SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois last year, an estimated 25,832 people experienced homelessness. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked alongside State Representative Lindsey LaPointe to champion a new law that will increase the accessibility of resources available to help homeless individuals.

“People experiencing homelessness are often in and out of emergency rooms. Hospital staff, like social workers, are usually under-equipped to connect our unhoused neighbors to services. It is difficult to find resources and we do not have enough emergency shelters to meet the needs,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This law solves one of those problems — by providing clear information online on how to begin the process to access shelter and services.”