Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino
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Aquino releases statement on assault weapons ban ruling

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Category: News
Friday, August 11, 2023 10:38 AM

In response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on House Bill 5471, the Protect Illinois Communities Act, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“For far too long, communities across our state and nation have felt the scourge of gun violence in their everyday lives – including our children. With this provision in place, we’re sending a message to the people across our state that we will not tolerate weapons of war flooding our communities, killing our neighbors, family and children.

“There is no reason these weapons should be available for any reason other than for trained law enforcement and military officers to uphold public safety. As a parent, I want to see my children live and grow up without the fear of mass shootings at school or in their communities. Moving forward with the implementation of this law moves us closer to that world.”

To read the Illinois Supreme Court’s full opinion, click here.

Aquino plan to expand availability of home health services signed into law

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Category: News
Friday, June 30, 2023 03:50 PM

A measure championed by State Senator Omar Aquino to increase the availability of home health services and in-home care was signed into law Friday.

“The demand for programs that provide skilled, compassionate in-home care is growing,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This law addresses that need by expanding the pool of home health services that can provide critical in-home care to older residents and people with disabilities.”

Under Aquino’s legislation, professional licenses for home health, home services, and home nursing agencies will be valid for 240 days instead of 120 days. The new law also allows agencies to receive a renewal of a provisional license for up to 90 days while working toward full licensure, enabling them to continue offering services without disruption for thousands of patients who require in-home care.

In-home care workers provide essential services to seniors and people with disabilities so that they can live independently in their homes and contribute to their communities. Home health agencies have reported an inability to admit patients due to staffing and service shortages in recent years, with some agencies rejecting as many as 40% of new patent referrals, according to the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. Aquino’s law will ensure that home health agencies who are not in operation at the time of application for licensure will be able to operate on a provisional license as long as they are making progress toward full licensure requirements.

“Without home care, people often have no other option than to move into a nursing home, even if they aren’t ready – a choice that no family should have to face,” Aquino said. “By alleviating some of the yearly license renewal requirements and other administrative barriers, this law will help increase the availability of home health services and alleviate the stress on families trying to navigate care for their loved ones.”

Senate Bill 2271 was signed into law Friday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Aquino stands up for women’s reproductive rights

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Category: News
Friday, June 24, 2022 03:49 PM

Sen. Aquino

CHICAGO – Following the news of the overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“While we knew this day was coming, I don’t think anyone can be fully prepared for the devastating impact of this attack on women’s reproductive rights. I am appalled, but not shocked.

“This decision is a severe infringement on the civil liberties of our nation’s women, and even worse, this opens the door to further attacks on the civil liberties of us all. I stand with fellow leaders to continue the fight for reproductive rights in Illinois and beyond.”

Aquino law to help health care professionals serve state residents

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Category: News
Friday, May 20, 2022 10:28 AM
Sen. Omar Aquino
CHICAGO – To ease the licensure and practice processes of international health care professionals in the state, State Senator Omar Aquino sponsored a new law that creates the Task Force on Internationally-Licensed Health Care Professionals Act.

“Illinois residents deserve high-quality health care, and the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic exposed our need for comprehensive measures that expand people’s access to medical services,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This law removes some of the barriers that stop health care professionals from saving lives and treating those in need.”

The Task Force on Internationally-Licensed Health Care Professionals will study state practices that create obstacles for internationally-licensed physicians and nurses looking to practice in Illinois. Using the information gathered by the task force, Illinois will address these obstacles prohibiting licensed health care professionals from operating in their field of expertise while in the state.

Allowing internationally-licensed professionals to practice in Illinois ensures that qualified individuals are able to provide their services to people who need them without setback. This is especially important for immigrant and refugee physicians who would have to repeat significant parts of their education and training or pay the cost of re-licensure under previous law.

“We’ve seen how insufficient medical workforce personnel costs us lives and hinders the well-being of health care workers who are expected to attend to more crises than they can handle,” Aquino said. “Not only will this law take the burden away from these professionals, but it will also bring more cultural sensitivity to the people treated by internationally-licensed health care workers.”

The law, previously House Bill 5465, is now in effect.

More Articles …

  1. Aquino, Senate Democrats, introduce tax relief plan to ease pain caused by inflation, COVID-19
  2. Aquino moves to prevent driver's license suspensions for unpaid fines
  3. Aquino condemns decision to build ICE detention facility in Illinois
  4. Aquino bill exempting health products from sales tax passes committee
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Contact Info

Springfield Office:
309 L Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5652

District Office:
4053 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60639
(773) 292-0202

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