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IBJ Legislative News

IBJ Legislative News

Bill would streamline script-refill process

    SPRINGFIELD – Patients with chronic conditions often juggle multiple medications and several trips to the pharmacy. Senate Bill 1546, introduced by state Sen. John Mulroe, D-Chicago, seeks to streamline that process by allowing patients to synchronize prescription refills so they can pick them up at the same time.
    The bill aims to simplify the refill process for pharmacies. Studies have shown that prescription synchronization increases patient adherence to medication directions.

AG backs bill to reform student loan industry

    Attorney General Lisa Madigan is pushing legislation to reform the student loan servicing industry in Illinois to better protect borrowers.
    Senate Bill 1351, drafted by Madigan’s office and Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, would create a Student Loan Bill of Rights to better protect borrowers from abuses in the student loan industry. The Senate’s Financial Institutions Committee has advanced the measure, which was prompted by Madigan’s investigation and lawsuit against Navient, one of the largest student loan servicers in the country, and its predecessor Sallie Mae Bank, for widespread student loan abuses.
    The bill would requiring loan servicers to properly process payments; require specialists to explain to borrowers all of their repayment options; provide specialized help for struggling borrowers; and more.

Bill seeks accountability over state’s backlog

    SPRINGFIELD – Sen. Andy Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat, and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza are seeking approval of Senate Bill 1652, the Debt Transparency Act, a measure that requires more accountability from state agencies regarding Illinois’ bill backlog, which is more than $12.4 billion.
    An estimated $4.9 billion worth of overdue bills is being held by agencies because of lack of appropriation or processing delays, and the comptroller’s office projects that Illinois will owe at least $700 million in interest and penalties on those overdue bills by the end of the current fiscal year.
    The act would require state agencies to report monthly to the comptroller the bills they are holding and estimate the amount of interest that will be paid on those bills.

Stuart wants end to retired politician care

    Concerned about what she says is politicians taking advantage of generous, taxpayer-funded perks, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, introduced a measure to eliminate free health care for retired lawmakers.
    Stuart has introduced House Bill 3918, which would eliminate free health care for retired politicians who are sworn in after the effective date. Presently, former governors, lieutenant governors, secretary of states, attorney generals, treasurers, comptrollers and General Assembly members are eligible to receive the taxpayer funded health coverage. Additionally, present law allows for the spouse of deceased members to receive free health care as well.

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