SPRINGFIELD—Illinois citizens with multiple sclerosis soon could receive easier access to medically necessary physical therapy due to legislation passed by Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills).

Senate Bill 2596 would require that physical therapy for MS patients shall match the Illinois Essential Health Benefits Plan. It would include unlimited visits to a registered physical therapist when a physician writes up a plan.

“One of the best steps someone with MS can take to delay or prevent future problems is participating in physical therapy. By restricting one’s access to this medically necessary therapy, insurance companies are allowing damage to be done,” Link said. “We need to step in to ensure that everyone is able to receive the proper care they need.”

The legislation now moves to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD—Senator Link (D-Vernon Hills) voted with his colleagues in the Senate to pass legislation that would send emergency funding to state universities and community colleges.

Senate Bill 2059 would be a stopgap measure to send emergency funding to state universities and community colleges. The legislation would also send money to all institutions that receive MAP grant money to pay for the first semester of MAP grants. Many institutions took on the costs of covering MAP grants without guarantee of payment.

“We voted today to ensure that the bleeding stops at our institutions of higher education,” Sen. Link said. “The legislation is not enough, but it can calm some of the worries of our students while we continue to work in a bipartisan manner to find answers to our state’s problems.”

The legislation now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.

SPRINGFIELD—Surviving spouses of Illinois veterans would benefit from an extended property tax exemption under legislation sponsored by Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills).

“Veterans put their lives on the line to defend our country. Their families also are a part of that sacrifice, and we should be there for them as well,” Link said.

Senate Bill 3042 would extend the property tax exemption to all surviving spouses of veterans who would have been eligible for the property tax exemption as long as the spouse is the property owner, is their permanent residence and does not remarry.

“Protecting the families of those who defend our country should be a top priority of this General Assembly. We need to continue to honor our veterans and help their families even when our service members are gone,” Link said.

The legislation moves on to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD—Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) voted to approve Senate Bill 2046, which would appropriate funds to many human service programs, higher education and other critical programs.

SB 2046 would authorize money for local school construction grants. One of those schools is Mundelein High School, which is waiting on more than $8.2 million.

“These schools were promised this money and we need to send it out. Now is not the time for the state to be breaking our promises and expanding the damage done to our credibility,” Link said.

The legislation now moves to the governor’s desk.