Senate Democrats fight to end the fentanyl overdose crisis

SPRINGFIELD – Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine – and an increase of overdoses of the drug is plaguing every corner of our state. Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined their plan to combat the overdose crisis during a press conference Thursday.

The increase in the number of fatalities is attributed to the rise of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.

Since 2013, synthetic opioid deaths in Illinois have increased 2,736% — and many of those who have overdosed did not know they were taking opioids or that their drugs were laced with fentanyl.

State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is working to combat overdose deaths by ensuring people who fall victim to the drug are able to get the necessary medical help they need without facing grave legal consequences.

House Bill 17 would allow people seeking medical treatment for an overdose with immunity from prosecution for possession of small amounts of fentanyl. Should a person seek medical assistance for someone experiencing an overdose, they would not be arrested, charged or prosecuted.

“Fentanyl-based and fentanyl-laced drugs are proliferating across Illinois, killing more people every year,” Ellman said. “If this legislation empowers even one person to reach out for help without fear, it will have done its job.”

Organizations and volunteers place themselves in communities and events susceptible to drug use to help people who battle opioid addiction, and Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) believes they should not be penalized for trying to save lives. He is leading House Bill 4556, which would allow pharmacists and medical professionals to dispense drug adulterant testing supplies to any person without persecution for possessing drug testing supplies.

A drug adulterant test allows people who use drugs to help identify the substance they intend on taking and therefore prevent harms associated with consuming an unknown substance. Drug testing is a common harm reduction strategy utilized by the nightlife, dance and festival communities and ensures that people have an understanding of what they are consuming so they can better manage any potential negative consequences of consumption. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health began to distribute such tests in October. Within two months, more than 7,000 tests were given out – mostly to groups who tackle substance abuse.

“This measure will help organizations get more tests into the hands of more patients and it will save lives,” Peters said. “We still have a long way to go, but removing these penalties is a responsible way to address the opioid crisis and to create real public safety for all instead of continuing the misguided policies of the past.”

In Illinois alone, opioid overdoses increased 33% from 2019 to 2020. In 2020, there were 2,944 opioid overdose fatalities.

The bills are expected to be heard in the weeks to come. 

Ellman advances student-led initiative to make Dolostone state rock of Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is championing a measure initiated by local students to establish Dolostone as the official rock of the State of Illinois.

“Bright, motivated young people from across our state took it upon themselves to do the research and hard work necessary to bring forth this legislation,” Ellman said. “They deserve to have their voices heard.”

House Bill 4261 was brought to the General Assembly by students from Pleasant Dale School in Burr Ridge and Maplebrook Elementary School in Naperville who discovered Illinois did not have a state rock. After interviewing regional geology scholars, visiting museums and doing their own research, the students developed a ballot with three choices and asked schools across Illinois to vote on a state rock. Dolostone was the winner.

Dolostone is a sedimentary rock formed from ancient limestones over millions of years that underlies nearly all of Illinois with the exception of the northernmost part of the state. It helps enrich soil across the state by providing valuable nutrients for plant growth, and caused a major mineral rush in Galena, Ill. in the early 1800s.

In addition to its natural abundance throughout the state, Dolostone plays a significant role in Illinois through its utilization in many important structures. Most notably, 3,300 exterior dolomite stones were used in the construction of the Old Illinois State Capitol. The quarry the stones were sourced from is now under Lake Springfield.

“Developing this legislation has been a fantastic learning experience for students across our state, and this is an opportunity to show the next generation that they are capable of great things,” Ellman said. “I encourage Illinoisans to learn more about Dolostone, and although it may be similar to other rocks, we shouldn’t take it for granite.”

The legislation, having passed out of the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday, will now go before the Senate for further consideration.

Ellman advances measure supporting Gold Star Families in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) would make more members of Gold Star families eligible to receive dedicated license plates.

“When a brave individual decides to step up and serve our country, their family serves, too,” Ellman said. “Missed holidays, birthdays and other special occasions are the price our service members and their families pay, and when a life is lost in the line of duty, loved ones are left with empty chairs and broken hearts.”

House Bill 5078 expands the current eligibility list for Gold Star Family license plates to include stepchildren, adopted children and half-siblings of veterans who lost their lives serving in a branch of the United States Armed Forces, and waives the registration fee for children in Gold Star Families. The legislation also aligns existing language regarding eligibility for a Gold Star lapel button with language used by the Department of Defense.

“Gold Star Families have made sacrifices that cannot be repaid,” Ellman said. “This legislation ensures that we are able to offer them the utmost respect and recognition for that sacrifice.”

Having passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, the legislation will now go before the full Senate for further consideration.

Women's History Month feature: Ginny Narsete

For Women's History Month, we will be featuring some of the brave women whose stories will be shared during our Women's History Month Panel. Ginny Narsete was a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. She served active duty 1973 to 1978 and in the reserve 1977 to 2003. During her time in the Air Force, she was stationed at England Air Force Base in Louisiana, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, and with the O'Hare Reserve Unit here in Illinois. She is also a founder of Operation HerStory, and will be the guest speaker at our panel.

On why she joined: "Education, GI Bill, and career choices, as well as to be part of History and support our troops in Vietnam"

On her service and how her gender impacted her duties: "I served my active duty time as administrative assistant. I then changed to Public Affairs when I entered the Air Force Reserve.

"Women were not given jobs beyond desk positions, typing, or medical. We were also held back from commanding, especially  any type of flying unit, getting promotions like our brothers."

On her memorable experiences: "Traveling as a photojournalist, writing stories, and working alongside my friends. I also traveled throughout South America, Europe, Korea and Japan."

On building relationships with other women in service, supporting one another, and staying in touch after serving: "Building relationships with other women was important. It's all we had. We supported each other by doing things together like hobbies, church and naturally bonding.

"Sexual harassment was rampant and no where to go for help, so we pretty much kept to ourselves. The women I served with were very protective of each other. Many of us still keep in touch. My boss was very protective, in fact too protective, he was like a dad protecting his daughters."

On life after service: "After serving, it only got better. My passion for the military experience only meant something when I paid it forward in helping others and keeping the women mission alive. A perfect example is serving on boards, with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, with the American Legion, and as the founder of Operation HerStory with several other women."

On her favorite memories from the Operation HerStory flight: "Bonding with other female veterans, sharing stories and now keeping in touch. Many of us are continuing to serve and mentor our younger troops. Mostly building relationships with Legion Riders in Naperville, younger female veterans and praising those who helped."

On joining other women veterans for the flight: "I loved it!!!  Such great bonding and sharing stories!!"

On what she would like community members to know about her experience as a woman in the military: "Invite women veterans to tell their stories to your community organizations. Women who served were strong, built character and strength to defend our country. I'm proud we stuck with the military, served with pride, and broke the glass ceiling to fight for equality. Interestingly, the men I served with supported our role.

"Most importantly, make those women who served visible so our stories will be told. The women in the military fought for many firsts. It hasn't changed. Operation HerStory fought hard to even get the first all women's flight. We found the women through grassroots outreach and raised all the money for the flight. Also Col. Jennifer Pritzker, the VFW, the American Legion, the McCormick Foundation and the Daughters of the American Revolution believed in us."

On how the flight came about: "It started as an assignment in DAR to work with Honor Flight. After much research, it was clear women on the flights were non-existent except for 2 or 3 women a year. So I began researching why women on these flights were not invited. Then the work began! Little effort was made to reach out before, but then Operation HerStory was born to create an all female flight."

On what "We served together and we were visible, together" means to her: "We found each other through a lot of ground operations and promised to make ourselves visible to all Americans."

On how the flight came together and the support it received: "Flight came together with a lot of organizations who wanted to recognize the women who served. The community and other organizations like the Naperville American Legion, the VFW and the DAR all supported us. The Pritzker Military Museum & Library donated a generous grant and their library to hold meetings and press events."

"Honor Flight came in 9 months after Operation HerStory was founded. OHS located the 93 women veterans and funds to pay for the trip. Honor Flight arranged the transportation and cheering crowds. The community, meaning the whole country, praised the women heroes."

On what's next: "To become more visible and hopefully we will be part of more parades, receive speaker support, and tell our stories at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library oral history program. Then add in social events, golf, lunches, museums and possibly more trips! Overall we found each other. Time to find more!"