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Click here to learn how my family helped shape my view of social responsibility

Families are the bedrock of any society, and as representative of the 7th District, I cherish the opportunity to help enact laws that contribute to the betterment of families throughout our state.  This past year, I am proud to have worked on two important pieces of legislation that address important needs of children - Health Insurance for All Kids and Special Care for Pregnant and Abused Children.

I also led efforts to increase resources available to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.  Below is an overview of my efforts in these areas.

Health Insurance for All Kids   During November's Veto Session, Rep. Yarbrough was part of a historic effort to make sure all children in Illinois get affordable health care.  House Bill 806, known as the All Kids program, will provide working families that make too much for KidCare, but not enough to afford private-market insurance, with affordable health insurance.  I am proud to have lent my efforts to making Illinois the first state in the nation to insure all children.  HB 806 was signed into law.

Support for Challenged Children  Many children in the 7th District are growing up with levels of abuse and deprivation that are hard to imagine.  These conditions can make it difficult for a child to learn.  Last year, I sponsored House Bill 3614, which provides funding to train teachers and school administrators to recognize and to be sensitive to the special needs of students who are pregnant or living in abusive environments.  I will continue to monitor this vulnerable segment of our population to ensure that state government is doing all it can to help meet their needs.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren  As the grandmother of seven grandchildren, I can appreciate both the joys and challenges that come to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.  In response to the special needs most often associated with these family arrangement, I held workshops in our District to inform grandparents about state services and resources available to make the job easier.  I will continue to be an advocate for keeping families together.

For more information, call the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 or my district office at (708) 615-1747.