State representative Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, had an extended absence from the State General Assembly due to a health issue that has since abated. She publicly thanks representative Paul Jacobs, a practicing optometric physician, who consulted with Hernandez and advised her to seek medical attention, a move that may have saved her life. Hernandez thanks a number of her colleagues who helped carry her legislation during her absence, including State representatives Dagmara Avelar, Aaron Ortiz, and Edgar Gonzalez.
“I’m eager to return to the lawmaking process and am all ready working with stakeholders on legislation for next session. However, I’d first like to thank all my colleagues who helped lend a hand during this challenging time. Representative Jacobs ensured I sought medical attention at a critical time, which may have saved my life, and for that I owe him an enormous debt of gratitude,” Hernandez said. “Representatives Avelar, Ortiz and Gonzalez also did great work passing vital legislation. These dedicated public servants are reminders that all of us want what’s best for our communities and we’ll work together to improve the lives of Illinoisans.”
Representative Gonzalez carried House Bill 4265, which requires that applications to public higher education institutions offer non-binary as an option when asking for information on applicants’ genders. Representative Dagmara Avelar passed Senate Bill 3914, legislation to secure paid mental health days for Illinois teachers. Representative Aaron Ortiz passed Senate Bill 4006, which requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services make regular reports to the General Assembly on autism behavior therapy and other special needs measures.
“There were a number of great bills I was happy to help pass this session, but those that my colleagues carried during my recovery especially stand out,” Hernandez said. “This includes some critical measures, including a bill that ensures that health insurance policies cover prenatal vitamins so mothers across our state can get the care they deserve without overpaying.”
—Office of the Speaker, IL House of Representatives