Press Releases

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) congratulated the Commonwealth of Virginia for making history by becoming the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

“This is a significant victory for advocates of women’s rights and their efforts to enshrine the equality of all women in the U.S. Constitution,” Bush said. “I congratulate the Commonwealth of Virginia for being yet another state to recognize the full, fundamental and equal rights of women under the law.”

The original ERA was introduced to Congress in 1972. To approve the amendment, a three-quarter majority, or 38 states, was needed for ratification. States were given until 1982, but only 35 had ratified it. That deadline has long since expired, making Virginia’s actions largely symbolic.

In 2017, Nevada became the 36th state to approve the E.R.A., and Illinois quickly became the 37th state a year later. Now, upon Virginia’s ratification, the U.S. has finally met the required three-quarter threshold and restarted the debate on an issue that had been largely forgotten since the 60s and 70s.

“The debate to amend the Constitution to include equal rights for women may have been tabled, but in light of the #MeToo movement and the recent hostility towards women’s rights, it is now more necessary than ever,” Bush said.

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is urging anyone with information about the possible cover-up of a sexual assault to come forward.

“If anyone has information, they should absolutely report it to authorities immediately,” Bush said. “It’s appalling that someone would use their political position to cover up a rape or any other crime.”

Bush’s outrage comes in response to a WBEZ article alleging the participation of state officials in purposefully hiding information about a rape in an email exchange in 2012, during former Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration. Senator Bush would like to provide a reminder that there is no longer a statute of limitations on criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault or aggravated criminal sexual abuse in Illinois. Therefore any new information will be helpful to authorities during the investigation.

“These actions are the kinds of abuses against women we’re fighting in Springfield, so it’s essential for the people responsible to be held accountable,” Bush said.

Anyone with information on the matter should contact:

• Champaign County State’s Attorney, 217-384-3733
• Illinois State Police, 217-786-7107
• Illinois Executive Inspector General, 217-558-5600 or 312-814-5600.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with diabetes might soon expect relief from the skyrocketing cost of insulin, thanks to a new measure co-sponsored by Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake).

“By capping the cost of insulin, we’re protecting diabetics and their families. People are being forced to skip meals and to default on their mortgages just to afford doses of a drug they need to live,” said Bush. “Prescription drug companies shouldn’t have that kind of power.”

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Join State Senator Melinda Bush for an update from regulatory agencies regarding the Ethylene Oxide (EtO) problem in Lake County, and ask questions about EtO and the attempts to combat emissions.

The event is being held on Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30p at the Grayslake Campus of the College of Lake County (Auditorium Room A011), located at 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030.

Questions?

Contact Senator Bush’s office in Grayslake at 847-548-5631.

Click on the flyer for more information

*ETO TOWN HALL PARKING INFORMATION*

College of Lake County – Grayslake Campus
19351 W Washington St, Grayslake

If coming from ATKINSON & BRAE LOCH
Turn right onto Brae Loch from Atkinson and then turn right onto Rotunda Way. Park in parking lots 4, 5 or 6 on the right. Do not park in the staff parking lot on the left of Rotunda Way.

If coming from RT 45 & BRAE LOCH
Turn left onto Brae Loch from RT 45 and turn left onto Rontunda Way. Park in parking lots 4, 5 or 6 on the right. Do not park in the staff parking lot on the left of Rotunda Way.

If coming from WASHINGTON & LANCER LANE
Turn onto Lancer Lane from Washington Street, continue past first stop sign and then turn onto Prairie Lane on your right or continue until College Drive on your right. Park in lots 4, 5 or 6.

It is best to use parking lots 4, 5 or 6, which are by the James Lumber Center, and Entrances A & B.

HOW TO GET TO THE AUDITORIUM

Once parked in lot 4, 5 or 6 enter through Entrance A – NOT the James Lumber Center or Entrance B. There will be signs posted on the entrance doors clearly indicating where to enter.

From this point, event arrows will be posted on the wall to guide you to the correct location.

Once entering through Entrance A, continue down the main hall until you reach the doors at the end of the hallway. Go through the doors and down the stairs to the sign-in tables. The Auditorium entrance will be on your left after you sign in.

If you arrive early for the small Q&A, staff will instruct you where to go once you get to the Auditorium.