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 – A proposal passed by State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) to expand local government consolidation efforts in Lake and McHenry Counties was signed into law on Friday by Gov. Pritzker.

“One of the biggest concerns I continue to hear from constituents is the high cost of property taxes,” Link said. “Government consolidation is one tool we have to lower that burden for suburban homeowners and small businesses.”

Link’s new law – contained in House Bill 348 – will require that road districts in Lake and McHenry Counties be abolished if they contain less than 15 miles of roadway. The law also allows townships in McHenry County to be dissolved through a petition-initiated process.

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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 – 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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