(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has launched new Medicaid coverage of home visiting services for pregnant and parenting customers. Covered prenatal home visits include health education, blood pressure monitoring, behavioral health screenings, domestic & intimate partner violence education, stress management, and more. The IDPH says the expanded coverage is a critical step to improve statewide health outcomes.
(SPRINGFIELD) Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to allow electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to exceed posted weight limits by up to 2,000 pounds. Opponents say House Bill 2394 will allow heavy electric and hydrogen trucks to rip up the rural roads without the vehicles’ companies contributing their fair share to the local road funds, which is required by local residents. The new law takes effect June 1st of next year, 2026.
(CHICAGO) The U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce is requesting audited financial reports from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which has until December 8th to produce the reports from 2019 to 2024. In a letter to the CTU, the committee says it is concerned that the union has undertaken a half-decade long, concerted effort to deny its members the complete audit information to which the members are entitled to under the union’s by-laws.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Trouble in Toyland 2025 report has been released ahead of the holiday shopping season and it raises concerns around hidden dangers in toys. The Public Interest Research Group’s Education Fund announced the 40th annual report yesterday, highlighting AI toys with privacy concerns and explicit content, along with toys with lead from other countries, and water beads, something the group says is a longtime threat. Go to pirg.org for more details.