Welcome to Senator Omar Aquino legislative website

Aquino: The fight for affordability continues

SPRINGFIELD – After the Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Illinois is doing its part to ensure working families are shielded from the devastating cuts imposed by the Trump administration’s H.R. 1. As families face growing financial pressure at the gas pump and at check out, affordability must be at the forefront.

“Making investments in property tax relief and food security, as well as preserving the Child Tax Credit program, are initiatives that are part of a broader effort to address the national affordability crisis.

“While families are forced to make impossible decisions between keeping the lights on and going to the doctor, ensuring working people keep more of their hard-earned dollars is essential. This commitment is what drove my work to pass a ban on hidden junk fees, putting money back into the pockets of Illinoisans.

“At a time when federal cuts to Medicaid threaten access to care for millions, Illinois is making critical investments in safety-net hospitals and free and charitable clinics that serve our most vulnerable residents. Health care is a fundamental right, and no one should be denied access to quality care because of where they live or how much they earn.

“As the fight for affordability continues, our responsibility is clear: we must prioritize thoughtful investments that deliver meaningful economic relief to working families. I remain committed to this mission.”

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Aquino measure strengthening state health care systems passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino led an initiative to increase government efficiency and transparency within the health care system by maximizing state dollars to fund the essential services vulnerable communities depend on.

“Access to health care and behavioral health services should not depend on your ZIP code,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This package will ensure that communities across the state, whether in the city, the suburbs or rural farm towns, have access to care.”

Senate Bill 3365 would create a Distressed Hospital Loan Program to program to provide interest-free cash flow loans to public and nonprofit hospitals in financial distress. The goal is to prevent hospital closures and maintain services while also instituting guardrails that will make sure distressed and safety net hospitals are on a path to financial sustainability.

The measure would also support maternal health by codifying health care coverage for tests detecting and managing preeclampsia and spontaneous preterm birth. Further, it aims to support older adults by providing additional senior living options with oversight for cottage-style nursing homes and expanding eligibility for Supportive Living Facility dementia units.

The measure recognizes the health care challenges created by the federal administration’s budget – H.R. 1 – and takes steps to build up the state’s social services safety net to protect hospitals, health systems, nursing home care, vulnerable populations and taxpayer dollars.

“Strengthening the viability of our health care system is essential for supporting patients in every stage of life,” said Aquino. “Focusing on people’s needs is how we ensure the highest quality of care and bolster the sustainability of the health care system now and into the future.”

Senate Bill 3365 passed the Senate on Sunday.

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Aquino measure to ban ‘junk’ fees passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To support families amid a national affordability crisis, State Senator Omar Aquino passed a measure banning ‘junk’ fees out of the Senate Wednesday.

“Right now, families are feeling the pressure at checkout when they’re paying for groceries or getting gas,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “When every dollar counts, families need to know exactly how much they’re expected to pay for the services they need.”

Read more: Aquino measure to ban ‘junk’ fees passes Senate

Aquino advances measure to ban ‘junk’ fees in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino is advancing legislation to address ‘junk’ fees as a part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden on Illinois families amid the national affordability crisis.

“Junk fees are a deceptive practice that quietly drain thousands of dollars from Illinois families each year,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Requiring businesses to disclose the full price of a good or service upfront isn’t unreasonable – it is a basic standard for transparency and honesty that consumers in Illinois deserve.”

Read more: Aquino advances measure to ban ‘junk’ fees in Illinois