Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD — During Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address, he prioritized funding for older Illinoisans, people with disabilities, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security — all priorities shared by Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake).

She released the following statement about these pressing matters Wednesday:

“The times we are faced with have made a state budget seem like a nearly impossible feat, yet the governor was able to prioritize our most vulnerable populations. Older Illinoisans and people with disabilities have often felt unheard throughout the pandemic. Today, however, they can know their voices are being elevated.

“Additionally, while I have been frustrated with the issues revolving around the Illinois Department of Employment Security, I feel a sense of hope knowing that additional investments may finally allow people to have their hardships handled.

“We are one step closer to a better and more normal tomorrow.”

GRAYSLAKE — A number of students in the district State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) represents will have a chance to learn out in nature, thanks to the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant Program.

“Hands-on learning, especially when children can see the change they’re making, is some of the best learning,” Bush said. “Students who benefit from this grant funding will be able to gain a sense of responsibility and learn more about the beautiful world around us, all while making a difference in the community.”

Lakes Community School and Prairie Crossing Charter School received nearly $1,500 in total to create pollinator gardens to teach students while supporting the outdoor life of their schoolyards and communities. 

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Fund to support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on the school grounds or other public places. Projects funded by these grants are meant to teach children that their actions can make a difference in the world while increasing the use of native plants in Illinois. 

Funding for the program is provided through donations to the ICF. More than $329,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program’s inception. 

Applications for the next round of Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants will be open soon, with an application deadline of Nov. 30, 2021. More information on applying for the next round of grants can be found on the IDNR website. 

SPRINGFIELD – To further reduce opioid abuse, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) passed a measure to ensure every medication prescriber, including e-prescribers, has access to the same database.

“Every prescriber should have access to the prescription database, so they can keep better track of which patients received medications and when they received them,” Bush said. “Checking when someone last received a medication will crack down on overprescribing and doctor shopping.”

The Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program collects information on controlled substance prescriptions dispensed in Illinois. The PMP website allows prescribers and dispensers to view a current or prospective patient's prescription history.

The ultimate goal of the PMP is to assist prescribers and dispensers in the effective treatment of patients seeking medical care. However, currently not every prescriber has access to the database. 

House Bill 2488, sponsored by Bush, would tackle that issue. The measure would ensure every person who has prescribing authority has access to the PMP.

In 2017, Bush passed a law to require prescribers of controlled substances to check the PMP to see if a patient has been prescribed a controlled substance by another doctor prior to writing an initial prescription. That can’t be done if some prescribers don’t have access to the database.

“This commonsense measure is the next step in fighting the ongoing opioid crisis,” Bush said. “I won’t stop working to protect the people of Illinois until this crisis has ended.”

Bush passed the measure out of the Senate Sunday.  

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is urging Lake County residents to shop small this holiday season to support local businesses that have been struggling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Small businesses are a part of our communities. They invest in our economy, employ our friends and neighbors and support local events,” Bush said. “It’s now our turn to support them and invest in all they have to offer.”

As people begin their holiday shopping, Bush is reminding them frequent to small businesses throughout the area. For every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays in the community.

Bush has talked to many small business owners, who say they need the community’s help now more than ever. Supporting small, however, doesn’t just mean going to brick and mortar stores. Residents can support small businesses through online sales, ordering carry out from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the pandemic, people can still support local businesses by following their social media, recommending to friends and leaving positive reviews.

“I encourage you to support small businesses in any way you can,” Bush said. “The pandemic has been especially tough on them, and as cases continue to rise, we must show them that the community is there to help.”

Bush would also like to remind struggling small business that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program, which will distribute $220 million to small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic, including movie theaters, event venues, hotels and more. Learn more and apply on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.