SPRINGFIELD – Any person who has been convicted for a drug-related offense under state or federal law is prohibited from being eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, but State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is leading an initiative to reverse that.

“Even after people serve their time, they still struggle when reentering society, and have many rights continuously taken from them,” Van Pelt said. “They are released and everything around them has changed, except their ability to fend for themselves has become harder due to their status.”

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SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) to permanently establish the Call4Calm text line to support Illinois residents' mental health needs passed committee Tuesday, falling in line with Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Call4Calm was a great initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can still benefit those who struggle with their mental health even after this pandemic is over,” Van Pelt said. “Mental health outcomes are more concerning than ever before due to the public health crisis, and this text line is an essential outlet.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is leading an initiative to expand the Alternative Health Care Delivery Demonstration Program to include birthing centers in more areas of the state with disparate health outcomes for Black mothers.

“On average, 75 women die every year while pregnant or within a year of pregnancy, -- a tragic statistic,” Van Pelt said. “It is even more tragic to know that four out of five pregnancy-related deaths could have been preventable. We must do everything we can to combat the issues of maternal mortality, which include increasing birthing centers.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is congratulating more than 300 Chicago-area high schoolers who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“I commend these scholars for making such an achievement, which is even more impressive considering the obstacles brought along with the pandemic,” Van Pelt said. “This is also a testament to their families and educators, who have worked tremendously hard to support students during these unpredictable times.”

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