PBM Reform Legislation Signed into Law
Legislation I supported this year that seeks to address the unchecked influence and harmful practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) was signed into law on July 1.
House Bill 1697 puts an end to spread pricing, prohibits PBMs from steering patients to their own preferred pharmacies, and requires that 100 percent of rebates go back to patients and plan sponsors where they belong.
According to the Illinois Pharmacists Association, 74 of Illinois’ 102 counties are now considered pharmacy deserts. Senate Republicans argue that entire regions are losing access to trusted, local care simply because PBMs are pushing independent pharmacies out of business. In 2024 alone, more than 85 independent pharmacies in Illinois were forced to close their doors.
Supporters believe the legislation will help hold the line on rapidly rising prescription prices, providing some much-needed relief to Illinoisans struggling to pay for medications.
This proposal was a critical step toward restoring fairness in the pharmacy system and holding down costs for prescriptions.
Nearly $850,000 in Community Library Grants Coming to 33rd District
Last week, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office announced the distribution of nearly $18 million in Public Library Per Capita Grants to 639 public libraries across the state. The grants, awarded annually, help libraries support valuable resources and services to their communities.
Funding amounts are determined by a statutory formula based on each library’s service population. Libraries can use the grants to support a range of resources and services, including books and multilingual materials, e-books, internet access, staff, programming such as summer reading initiatives, and even capital improvements.
To qualify, libraries must be recognized as “Full Member Libraries” within their regional library systems. The next application deadline is January 30, 2026.
Libraries receiving grants in the 33rd Senate District include:
OSLAD Grant Program is Officially Open for Applications
Applications are now being accepted for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program through September 30, 2025.
OSLADis a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to local administrations for both acquiring and/or developing land for various projects, including parks, nature areas, and outdoor recreation spots.
This grant could cover up to 50 percent of project costs and up to 90 percent for under-resourced communities. Grant awards for acquisition of land can total up to $1,725,000.00, while development/renovation project grants are limited to $600,000. Applicants need to be pre-qualified through the State of Illinois Grantee Portal.
In Illinois, local government organizations that are legally permitted to utilize public funds for the purchase or development of land for parks, recreation, or conservation are eligible to apply for OSLAD funding. School districts are not qualified.
To learn more about grant eligibility, click here.
Upcoming Events in the 33rd District
My events calendar continues to be updated with additional events. Please make sure the following outreach events are on your calendar:
- July 15: Traveling Office Hours, Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, LITH, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- July 9: Traveling Office Hours, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- August 6: Traveling Office Hours, Algonquin Public Library, 2600 Harnish Dr, Algonquin, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- August 19: ICASH Unclaimed Property Event, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- September 4: Senior Fair in Carpentersville, Dundee Township Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- September 16: Senior Fair in St. Charles, St. Charles Park District Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Avenue, St. Charles, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Additional events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page on my website to remain up-to-date on outreach activities in the district.