Aquino law expands support for safety net hospitals

SPRINGFIELD – To protect the stability of safety net hospitals, State Senator Omar Aquino championed a new law that will generate additional revenue for hospitals across the state.

"As a patient of Humboldt Park Health, a designated safety net hospital, and the representative of two additional safety nets, I have experienced firsthand the contributions of these hospitals to the integrity of our communities by ensuring the health of our neighbors,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “With the updates to the Hospital Assessment Program, we are ensuring that hospitals continue to provide critical services to our most vulnerable."

The Illinois Hospital Assessment Program was established in 2003 to help ensure low-income patients have access to health care services. The program was extended and expanded in 2022 to improve cash-flow predictability for hospitals, tying greater funding to higher Medicaid utilization. The program is funded through a special tax on Illinois hospitals, which is then matched by federal funds and redistributed to hospitals based on the volume of the Medicaid patients they serve and their level of care.

Read more: Aquino law expands support for safety net hospitals

Aquino: FY 26 budget delivers for working families

SPRINGFIELD — In response to the Senate’s approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“As our state undergoes budgetary pressures coming down from the federal level that affect key resources, the FY 26 budget is a fiscally responsible plan that allows Illinois to hold the line on critical services working families depend on.

“Fulfilling our commitment to investing in our children, we are fully funding the K-12 evidence-based funding formula. With the $20 million increase in MAP grant funding, we are ensuring that our young people can confidently pursue higher education.

Read more: Aquino: FY 26 budget delivers for working families

Aquino bill securing immigration representation for Cook County residents passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino championed a measure to fortify representation for non-citizen Cook County residents undergoing immigration proceedings following reports of rampant immigration enforcement and alleged due process violations.

“As immigrant communities are grappling with shifting federal policies, we must adapt to ensure there is no lapse in access to counsel,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Families deserve to know that this resource is available and reliable despite changes happening at the federal level.”

Read more: Aquino bill securing immigration representation for Cook County residents passes Senate

Aquino bill to ease student loan burden passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD –An initiative sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino to expand loan options for student loan borrowers passed the Senate Thursday.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, it is critical that we provide students with an economic relief tool to help alleviate the often overwhelming burden of student loan debt,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Providing borrowers with additional loan options and lower interest rates will help keep money in their pockets to put toward other needs.”

Read more: Aquino bill to ease student loan burden passes Senate