SPRINGFIELD – The number of adults in the United States with hearing loss is expected to jump from 44 million to 73 million by 2060. With a growing number of individuals residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) championed a measure requiring the use of closed captioning on televisions in hospitals and other care facilities.
 
Link’s plan – House Bill 3468 – was signed into law last week by Gov. Pritzker. 

“For many experiencing hearing loss, background noise can make it especially difficult to hear what is being said,” Link said. “Turning on the closed captioning feature is a simple step that staff can take to ensure all viewers can enjoy what they are watching.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Families of individuals who reside in facilities that care for dementia patients will have additional tools to prevent abuse of their loved one’s under a proposal by State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) that was signed into law on Friday.

Link’s new law – contained in Senate Bill 109 – allows for electronic monitoring in patient rooms in a building or wing of a building solely dedicated to dementia care.

“Dementia patients are especially susceptible to abuse or neglect at the hands of their caretakers,” Link said. “While we know most staff treat their patients with the utmost respect and dignity, allowing video monitoring equipment will serve as a deterrent to misconduct and offer peace of mind to family members.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Terry Link joined with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and colleagues today in Springfield as a $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois” construction funding plan was signed into law.

“With this law, communities across the state gain needed economic development and we become more competitive,” said Sen. Terry Link (D-Indian Creek). “This investment in Illinois was overdue. A lot of people have waited a long time for this day to arrive. I’d like to thank my colleagues and Governor Pritzker for making it happen.”

Under the comprehensive plan, long-neglected roads and bridges will be replaced, schools and higher education campuses will receive funds for new construction and mass transit agencies will have the ability to purchase new buses and trains.

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SPRINGFIELD – After many years of work, State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) succeeded in passing a long-anticipated comprehensive gaming proposal through the Senate today. Link’s legislation expands the number of casinos in Illinois and regulates sports betting in the state.

“This is a job creation bill that will help people in every corner of Illinois,” said Link. “I have worked on this for years because it is vitally important for Illinois and the people in our region. I am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this done.”

The expansion would authorize six new casinos, including in Chicago, Danville, Waukegan, Rockford, the South Cook Suburbs and Williamson County in Southern Illinois. Racetracks will also be able to have slot machines and table games, and sports wagering would be authorized at horse racing tracks, casinos and other qualifying sports facilities.

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